Tempranillo

Tempranillo is native to the Iberian Peninsula and is deeply associated with the classic Spanish wine regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero, the latter often using the local name Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais.

The variety is known by many regional synonyms. In Portugal it is important in the Douro, where it is called Tinta Roriz, and in the Alentejo, where it is known as Aragonez. These are the same variety grown under different traditional names.

Tempranillo ripens relatively early, which suits continental climates with shorter or cooler seasons and allows planting at higher altitude. It is generally grown on calcareous clay and other well-structured soils in its Spanish heartland.

• Early ripening, suiting continental and higher-altitude sites
• Thick-skinned berries contributing colour
• Grown on calcareous clay soils in Rioja and limestone soils in Ribera del Duero
• Cultivated across Spain and Portugal under many synonyms

Tempranillo is made into dry red wine, both as a varietal and in blends (for example with Garnacha in Rioja). It is strongly associated with oak ageing, and traditional Rioja classifications reflect increasing periods of barrel and bottle maturation.