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There are few grapes that can produce as wide a variety of wine styles as Tempranillo. The Spanish grape is the basis for both for bright and fresh bottlings and hearty, complex pours. It’s very food-friendly, complementing everything from barbecue and lasagna to chorizo tacos and roast lamb. While some bottlings respond beautifully to long-term aging, many are made to be consumed right away. Here, we break down everything you need to know about Tempranillos, and which bottles are perfect for enjoying right now—no cellaring required. What Is Tempranillo Wine? Tempranillo is among Spain’s most popular red grapes and used to produce some of the nation’s greatest wines, but today it can be found all over the world. The grape thrives in sunny, hot and elevated climates and produces full-bodied wines with medium acidity and tannins. The name is derived from the Spanish word “temprano,” meaning “early” in English. This is a reference to how early Tempranillo grapes tend to ripen, compared to other varieties. Rioja in northeast Spain is the most well-known region for producing Tempranillo wines. In fact, the grapes have been used here since at least the 1500s. Bottles labeled Rioja can either contain 100% Tempranillo or be a blend of the red grape and additional varieties, like Garnacha. Spain’s Catalunya and Ribera del Duero also produce high-quality and delicious Tempranillo bottlings. Other parts of the world, like Portugal, the U.S., Australia, Argentina, Chile and Mexico produce some excellent Tempranillo wines, too. What Does Tempranillo Taste Like? Tempranillo is almost always red and dry, though some white and rosé options are on the market, some of which are sweet. The wine has flavors of red fruits, like strawberries and cherries, and black fruits, like blackberries and plums. Tempranillo bottles aged for long periods of time can achieve additional flavors like cedar, dried fruits, tobacco or vanilla. The wine can vary from super fruity and light to rich, age-worthy and quite complex. This is determined by the grapes used and the winemaker’s techniques. It is sometimes blended with other grape varieties to add complexity and age-ability. Aging Tempranillo In Spain, aging Tempranillo in new, American oak barrels is very common to add flavor, soften tannins and add body to the wine. Winemakers may also choose to age wines in the bottle before they hit the market. Some regions, like Rioja, require a minimum aging period before wines can be released for sale. Spanish winemakers will often use four labeling terms to let consumers know what to expect. Joven wines are very young, fruity and minimally aged. Crianza wines are aged in oak barrels and in bottle for at least two years. Reserva wines are aged in oak barrels and in bottle for at least three years. Gran Reserva wines are aged for the most amount of time in oak barrels and in the bottle—for at least five years, two of which must be in oak. Best Tempranillo Bottles to Drink Now FAQs How Do You Pronounce Tempranillo? The wine is pronounced “tem-pra-nee-yo.” Is Tempranillo Dry or Sweet? It is most commonly a dry wine, but some sweet varieties or blends do exist. Do You Chill Tempranillo Wine? This depends on the style of Tempranillo, but typically around 60–65°F is a good temperature. Read more about how to serve wine here. What Food Do You Serve with Tempranillo? This depends on the style of Tempranillo, but younger bottlings pair nicely with tomato sauces, roasted vegetables or pasta. Bolder bottles can stand up nicely to meaty steaks or burgers. Why You Should Trust Us All products featured here are independently selected by our team, which is comprised of experienced writers and wine tasters and overseen by editorial professionals at Wine Enthusiast headquarters. All ratings and reviews are performed blind in a controlled setting and reflect the parameters of our 100-point scale. Wine Enthusiast does not accept payment to conduct any product review, though we may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this site. Prices were accurate at the time of publication.

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