“Is Tempranillo the Next Big Thing in Wine?”

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Is Tempranillo the Next Big Thing in Wine?

Welcome to our blog post where we explore the world of Tempranillo wine. You may have heard of this grape variety before, especially if you’re a fan of Spanish wines, but did you know it has the potential to be the next big thing in the wine industry? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Tempranillo special, its characteristics, and why it’s worth your attention. We’ll also explore some delicious food pairings and answer some common questions about this amazing varietal.

Table of Contents

What is Tempranillo?

Tempranillo is a red grape variety that’s native to Spain. It’s also known as Ull de Llebre and Tinta del Pais in different regions of Spain. Tempranillo is now grown in a few other countries outside Spain, including Portugal, Argentina, the United States, and Australia.

Tempranillo is one of the most important grape varieties in Spain, especially in the Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions. It’s estimated that Tempranillo accounts for around 80% of all red wine production in Rioja.

Where is Tempranillo grown?

As mentioned earlier, Tempranillo is native to Spain and is primarily grown there. It’s grown in several regions across the country, with Rioja and Ribera del Duero being the most famous. Some other regions where Tempranillo is grown include:

  • Toro: This region is located in the province of Zamora in northwest Spain. Here, the wines made from Tempranillo are full-bodied, rich, and have high tannins.
  • Navarra: This region is located in northern Spain, bordering France. The wines made here are known for having a good balance between acidity and tannins. They’re also quite fruit-forward and can be enjoyed young.
  • La Mancha: This region is located in central Spain and is the largest wine-producing region in the country. Tempranillo is one of the grape varieties grown here, usually used to make wines that are balanced and fruity.

Outside Spain, Tempranillo is also grown in Portugal, where it’s known as Tinta Roriz or Aragonez. It’s one of the grape varieties used to make Port wines. In Argentina, Tempranillo is grown in the San Juan and Mendoza regions, while in the US, it’s grown in California, Texas, and Arizona.

What are the characteristics of Tempranillo?

Tempranillo is known for its medium-bodied style, with moderate acidity and tannins. The exact characteristics of Tempranillo wines can vary depending on the region where they’re grown and the specific winemaking techniques used.

In general, however, Tempranillo wines tend to have aromas and flavors of cherries, plums, berries, and spice. Some wines may also have a smoky or earthy character. Tempranillo wines can be unoaked or aged in oak barrels, which can give them additional flavors of vanilla, toast, and caramel.

Why is Tempranillo worth your attention?

There are several reasons why Tempranillo is worth your attention as a wine lover:

  • It’s versatile: Tempranillo is a versatile grape variety that can be used to make a wide range of wines, from young and fruity to complex and age-worthy. It can also be blended with other grape varieties, such as Garnacha (Grenache), Mazuelo (Carignan), and Graciano, to create unique and interesting blends.
  • It’s food-friendly: Thanks to its moderate acidity and tannins, Tempranillo is an excellent wine to pair with food. It can pair well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, stews, roasted vegetables, and aged cheeses.
  • It’s affordable: While some top-quality Tempranillo wines can be quite expensive, in general, Tempranillo wines offer good value for money. You can find high-quality Tempranillo wines at very reasonable prices.
  • It has a unique flavor profile: Tempranillo has a distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart from other red grape varieties. Its combination of ripe fruit flavors, spice, and oak notes make it a unique and interesting wine to try.

Food pairings with Tempranillo

As mentioned earlier, Tempranillo is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are some food pairing suggestions for different styles of Tempranillo:

  • Young and fruity Tempranillo: These wines pair well with lighter dishes such as grilled chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes.
  • Aged and complex Tempranillo: These wines can stand up to more robust flavors and can pair well with dishes such as grilled lamb or beef, stews, and aged cheeses.
  • Tempranillo blends: If you’re drinking a Tempranillo blend, consider pairing it with dishes from the same region. For example, a Rioja blend can pair well with Spanish dishes such as paella or chorizo.

FAQs

What does Tempranillo taste like?

Tempranillo wines have flavors and aromas of cherries, plums, berries, and spice, with some earthy or smoky notes. They can also have flavors of vanilla, toast, and caramel if they’re aged in oak barrels.

What foods pair well with Tempranillo?

Tempranillo wines pair well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, stews, roasted vegetables, and aged cheeses. Young and fruity Tempranillo can pair well with lighter dishes such as grilled chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes.

Where is Tempranillo grown?

Tempranillo is native to Spain and is primarily grown there. It’s grown in several regions across the country, with Rioja and Ribera del Duero being the most famous. Tempranillo is also grown in Portugal, Argentina, the United States, and Australia.

Can Tempranillo wines be aged?

Yes, Tempranillo wines can be aged. Aged Tempranillo wines can develop more complex flavors and aromas, including notes of leather, tobacco, and dried fruit. They can also become softer and more mellow as the tannins mellow out over time.

What’s the difference between Rioja and Ribera del Duero Tempranillo?

Rioja and Ribera del Duero are the two most famous regions for Tempranillo in Spain. Rioja Tempranillo wines are known for their balance between fruit and oak flavors, while Ribera del Duero Tempranillo wines are richer and more full-bodied. Rioja Tempranillo wines are usually aged for a shorter period than Ribera del Duero Tempranillo wines.

In conclusion, why you should try Tempranillo wines

There are many reasons why you should try Tempranillo wines. Not only is Tempranillo a versatile and food-friendly wine, but it also has a unique flavor profile that’s worth exploring. Additionally, Tempranillo wines come in a range of styles and price points, making them accessible to wine lovers of all levels. So the next time you’re looking for a new wine to try, consider picking up a bottle of Tempranillo and see what all the fuss is about!

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