Tempranillo Wine

Pronounced tem–pruh–ni–yoh, Tempranillo is a red grape variety grown predominantly throughout Spain and Portugal. A traditional blending wine, it’s the powerhouse behind the world-renowned red wines of Rioja and one of the primary grapes used in Port wines. Tempranillo-based wines deliver ripe strawberry and red cherry flavors, with spice and tobacco notes when aged in oak.

You’ll find an amazing selection of Tempranillo wines that our wine experts have curated just for you. Whether you’re looking for a wine to pair with your next meal or to enjoy on its own, we have the ideal bottle of Tempranillo for you. Explore our selection to discover your next favorite wine for any occasion.

Tempranillo traces its roots to Spain, where it still dominates vineyards. It’s the main red grape in the Rioja and Ribera del Duero wine regions, although it has a long history in Portugal, too, where it’s known by the names Aragonês and Tinta Roriz.

It’s an early-ripening grape variety (in Spanish, temprano means early) that’s hardy, productive, and adapts well to different climates and soils. It thrives in hot, dry climates but is best suited to cooler, high-altitude areas with some protection from the elements.

Today, Tempranillo is the fourth most-planted grape worldwide and has migrated to other warm climates, including Chile and Argentina, McLaren Vale in South Australia, and California’s Inland Valleys.

Tempranillo makes delicious single-variety wines but is also the go-to grape found in popular blends, including Spanish Rioja and Port.

Tempranillo wine can be characterized as medium-full-bodied and high in tannins, with moderate-to-low acidity and moderate alcohol.

Wines from Tempranillo grapes are ruby red in color and burst with red and dark fruit flavors. Tempranillo wines are particularly suited to aging in oak, adopting leather and vanilla flavors over time.

Wines from Tempranillo grapes are often complex and tempt with a variety of flavors. With the grapes growing in warm climates, many Tempranillo wines are fruit-forward and brimming with red fruit flavors, including:

• Raspberry
• Strawberry
• Cherry
• Stewed fruit

Some Tempranillo wines will also adopt a hint of fig. When grown in warmer climates and aged in oak or bottle, the wines develop darker fruit flavors, and secondary flavors, including:

• Black currants
• Prunes
• Chocolate
• Vanilla
• Spice
• Cedar
• Tobacco

Tempranillo is at the heart of some of the best-balanced red wines in the world.

If you want a smooth, fruity red, you can’t go wrong with a classic Spanish Rioja or Ribera del Duero blend.

In general, Tempranillo wines are incredibly versatile and can pair well with a wide variety of foods.

Here’s an expert tip: the more mature the wine, the stronger the meat. So, if you pick up a mature bottle, think rack of lamb or steak dishes.

It’s not just meat that is so well matched with this fruity wine; it’s a versatile choice and will also pair well with smoky flavors, such as Mexican dishes, roasted vegetables, and pasta sauces.

No matter what type of Tempranillo you enjoy, it will always pair well with cheeses and charcuterie.

To get those fruity flavors flowing, decant your bottle of Tempranillo wine an hour before serving. This will allow the aromas and flavors to develop. With its medium to full body and high tannins, Tempranillo is best served at room temperature 68° F.