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Tempranillo is the number one dry red wine in Spain. Sommeliers say that it has the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon and the bouquet of Carignan. Young wine Tempranillo is surprisingly fresh and fruity, but after aging in an oak barrel, it acquires notes of tobacco, leather and dust.
This is the fourth most popular red grape variety in the world, and it is also one of the nine “noble red wines”. In addition, it is on the basis of Tempranillo (albeit under the name Tinta Roriz) that most ports are made.
History
For some time, this variety was considered a relative of Pinot Noir, according to legend, brought to Spain by the Cistercian monks. However, genetic studies have not confirmed this version.
Despite the fact that winemaking in Spanish lands has been known since Phoenician times, that is, it has at least three thousand years, there are no special historical references to the Tempranillo variety until 1807. We also don’t know if it was known outside of Spain before the XNUMXth century. Perhaps the grape was brought by the Spanish conquistadors to Latin and South America in the XNUMXth century, since some Argentinean grape varieties are genetically close to it, but this is only a theory.
But it is known for sure that in the XNUMXth century Tempranillo spread throughout the world, this variety began to be cultivated not only in Europe, but also in the USA (California).
Interesting Facts
- Tempranillo is the most common variety in the famous Rioja wine region.
- The name Tempranillo comes from the Spanish word temprano, which means early. The variety got its name because it ripens earlier than other autochthonous grape varieties.
- Tempranillo vines are easy to distinguish from others due to the special shape of their leaves. In autumn, they become bright red and even more visible.
- There is also a white variation of Tempranillo – Tempranillo Blanco. In the bouquet of this wine, tones of tropical fruits are felt, but it is far from the popularity of the red “brother”.
Wine characteristic
The bouquet of Tempranillo is dominated by cherry, dried figs, tomato, cedar, tobacco, vanilla, cloves and dill. When aged, the palate reveals notes of dark fruit, dry leaves and old leather.
The color of the drink varies from ruby to garnet.
Tempranillo is rarely drunk young, more often aged in oak barrels for 6-18 months. The finished drink reaches a strength of 13-14.5% vol.
Production regions
Tempranillo from different regions of production can be recognized by the name on the label.
- In Rioja (Rioja) and Navarra (Navarra) this wine turns out tannic, with light notes of cinnamon, pepper and cherry. In particular, it is here that one of the most famous representatives of the species, Campo Viejo, is produced.
- In the areas of Ribera del Duero, Toro, Cigales, Tempranillo has a rich dark red color, this wine is even more tannic than in Rioja, and blackberry nuances dominate its aroma.
- Finally, the best representatives are produced in the regions of La Mancha (La Mancha) and Ribera Del Guadiana (Ribera Del Guadiana).
Spain is the main but not the only producer of Tempranillo. On the market you can also find wine from Portugal, Argentina, Australia, California.
Types of Tempranillo wine
By exposure, Tempranillo is divided into 4 categories:
- Vin Joven is a young wine, without aging. Rarely exported, most often it is drunk by the Spaniards themselves.
- Crianza – 2 years of aging, of which at least 6 months in oak.
- Reserva – 3 years of aging, of which at least a year in barrel.
- Gran Reserva – from 5 years of aging, of which at least 18 months in barrel.
How to choose Tempranillo
If you focus only on color, then a quality representative of this species should have a rich ruby uXNUMXbuXNUMXband garnet hue, with a distinct red edge in the glass.
If you have the opportunity to taste the drink before buying, you need to pay attention to the tannins and acidity of the wine – in Tempranillo, both of these indicators are above average and well balanced.
As for the price, young wine can be sold even for a few euros, but the cost of a truly high-quality and aged Tempranillo starts from several tens or even hundreds of euros.
How to drink Tempranillo
Tempranillo is best paired with red meat and ham, but can also be paired with grilled vegetables, pasta, Mexican cuisine, smoked dishes, or foods high in starch.
When serving, Tempranillo is not cooled; it is enough to open the bottle in advance and let it “breathe” for about an hour. With proper storage, unopened wine can be kept in the vinotheque for up to 10 years.