HOME

Also known as Ull de Llebre (Cataluña), Cencibel (La Mancha), Tinto Fino and Tinta del País (Castilla y León), Tinta de Toro (Toro)

Tempranillo is a variety of vitis vinifera, the red grape used commonly in winemaking. It is native to northern Spain, and widely cultivated in both northern and central Spain. It flourishes in Burgos, La Rioja, Alava, Cuenca and Ciudad Real. It is considered a main variety in the following DOs: Calatayud, Cigales, Conca de Barbera, Costers del Segre, La Mancha, Penedes, Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Somontano, Utiel-Requena, Valdepenas, and Vinos de Madrid.

Tempranillo is usually blended with other grape varieties, being low in both acid level and sugar content. It is the major component of the well-known Rioja wines. Its wines can be consumed when young, but are considered at their best when aged, especially when aged in oak. It is lightly coloured and ages well in American and sometimes French oak.

Until recently, some suspected that Tempranillo was related to the Pinot Noir grape, but recent genetic studies tend to discount this possibility.