Grape Profile: Tempranillo
Tempranillo is the primary red grape grown in Spain, most specifically in the Ribera del Duero and Rioja Alta regions. It´s a key blending ingredient in Port wines and a key player in the Rioja blend. Pronounced (Temp-Ra-Knee-Sho). Tempranillo was introduced to Argentina by Spanish immigrants in the early twentieth century, and over the years Argentine winemakers have relished in the great versatility of this lesser-known varietal.
Though Tempranillo is traditionally used as a blending wine, when it´s grown in premium Argentine terroirs (such as La Consulta) the wines can provide complex structure and a wide range of aromas and flavors, incorporating notes of spices, cherries, and raspberries.
There are approximately 1,100 acres of Tempranillo planted in Argentina.
Typical Grape Characteristics:
Tempranillo grapes are set apart by their thick, dark skin. The grapes flourish on the vines in large clusters of blackish/blueish, medium-sized berries. The leaves are large, five-lobed and somewhat contorted.
Typical Wine Characteristics:
A typical tempranillo wine is low in overall acidity and sugar, with moderate to high tannin structure due to the especially thick grape skins. The name ´Tempranillo´ literally means little early one, indictative of the grape´s unusually short growing season. Because tempranillo is harvested earlier than many other varietals, they produce what are generally low color intensity wines.
Though it´s somewhat a matter of opinion, most critics agree that the tempranillo wine family does not have an idiosyncratic flavor profile, which means that it can be trickier to identify both on the palate and in the nose. On the other hand, it means that this particular varietal offers a wide, intriguing range of flavors and aromas. Much like a spanish dancer, the Tempranillo grape is known to strike many different poses.
As for the aromas you´re likely to find in a glass of Tempranillo, younger tempranillo or wines from cooler climates often display aromas of strawberries, black currents and cherries while older tempranillo wines or those from higher heat climates, often offer aromas of prunes, chocolate and tobacco. The varietal is usually aged liberally in oak and thanks to a strong tannic structure, ages quite well.
Notes on Growing:
Like most any red grape, hot, sunny days help the Tempranillo grapes ripen, while the cool nights allow them to retain their natural acidity. Tempranillo is often cultivated in goblet form, which is used to bring out the grape´s fruitiness and it is harvested early, enjoying an unusually short ripening season.
Geography:
Tempranillo is one of the most prominent grapes grown in Spain, but can also be found in Oregon, California, Portugal, Australia and Argentina.
History:
The Phoenicians are thought to have brought Tempranillo to southern Spain around 800 BC and since that time it has become somewhat of a world traveler.
Pairings:
Tempranillo is a very friendly wine when it comes to food pairings. It goes very well with Morcilla (argentine blood sausage), roasted eggplant with tomato and basil ragout, and any corn-based foods such as grits and polenta.
Pairings:
– O´Fournier Alfa Crux blend (70% Tempranillo, 20% Malbec, 10% Merlot)
Interested in learning more about Tempranillo and other varietals in Mendoza? Let us know and we´ll plan customized tastings, winery tours, and special treats along the way! Get started here!