The Tempranillo Grape

The Tempranillo Grape

This is Spain’s signature grape, known since Phoenician settlements. It gets its name from temprano (early) because it ripens several weeks earlier than other red grapes in Spain. It makes full-bodied red wines and brings an aging quality to the wine. It is frequently blended.

In Rioja, where it is the principal grape, it is blended with Grenache and Mazuelo (Carignan) and aged in oak. In Portugal, it is known as Tinta Roriz and used as one of the Port blends.