If you're looking for a delicious and full-bodied red wine for your next dinner party, you should definitely consider tempranillo. This Spanish grape variety dates back centuries, and is widely grown to make some of the best red wines in the world. From its native Spain, to Portugal and Australia, tempranillo has become one of the most popular varieties of wine.
When it comes to tempranillo wines, there are many excellent brands available. Marques de Riscal is one of the most well-known Spanish producers, offering an excellent selection of tempranillo wines. Their Reserva Especial is a great example – made from 100% tempranillo grapes and aged for 18 months in both French and American oak barrels, it has intense aromas of blackberry and raspberry on the nose, with smooth tannins and a long finish.
From Australia comes Grant Burge Wines, which produces two stunning tempranillo blends: The Holy Trinity Tempranillo Shiraz Grenache blend, as well as the classic Tempranillo Shiraz blend. Both are full-bodied yet smooth reds that offer complex aromas of blackberry, cherry and cinnamon spice.
In Portugal's Douro Valley region we find Quinta do Crasto's amazing selection of tempranillo wines. Their Reserva Especial is made from old vine grapes that are carefully selected from their estate vineyards in order to produce a unique blend that offers dark fruit aromas on the nose with a hint of tobacco leaf and spice on the palate. It's an elegant yet powerful wine that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or rich stews.
For those wanting to explore something new, there are several other exciting producers making fantastic tempranillos all over the world including Bodegas La Horra from Ribera del Duero (Spain), Bodegas El Bosque from Cariñena (Spain), Viña Real from Rioja (Spain), Château d'Aiguilhe from Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux (France) and Torbreck Vintners from Barossa Valley (Australia). All thse brands offer high quality wines at different price points so there's something for everyone!
Whether you opt for a classic like Marques de Riscal or something more adventurous like Torbreck Vintners – tempranillos can be enjoyed with almost any meal! So why not add some Spanish flair to your next dinner party with a bottle of this wonderful grape variety?
The Characteristics of Tempranillo Wine
Tempranillo is a full-bodied red wine, originating from Spain. It is produced from the black Tempranillo grape variety, whih is widely grown in the region. Its name comes from the Spanish word “temprano” which means early, referring to the fact that the grape ripens earlier than other Spanish red grapes. Tempranillo wines are typically dry, with a medium to high acidity and tannin content, along with aromas of cherries, raspberries and herbs. They have a deep ruby color and can range in flavor from strawberry and raspberry to leather and tobacco. Tempranillo wines are often blended with other grapes to create complex wines that are drinkable young or can be cellared for extended periods of time.
Wines Produced From Tempranillo Grapes
Tempranillo is one of the most widely planted and used grapes in the world and can be found in wines from both hemispheres. In Spain, Tempranillo is the major component of some of the best-known red blends, such as Rioja, whch is often made up of 90-100% Tempranillo, and Ribera del Duero wines. In Australia, Tempranillo is blended with Grenache and Shiraz to create a unique style of wine. Italy also uses Tempranillo for its famous Super Tuscans. Meanwhile, in Portugal it is known as Tinta Roriz and plays an important role in producing some Port wines. Other countries like Argentina and Chile also use Tempranillo to produce distinctive styles of reds that are gaining increasing recognition worldwide.
The Sweetness of Tempranillo Wine
Tempranillo is a dry red wine. It has a full body and high tannin levels, which make it a dry wine. Its acidity also contributes to its dryness. On the palate, Tempranillo offers notes of dried figs, cherries, and tobacco, but it is not sweet. Its finish is generally smooth and slightly bitter due to its higher tannin content.
The Sugar Content of Tempranillo Wine
Tempranillo is a dry red wine, so it is lower in sugar than other red wines such as merlot or grenache. A dry Tempranillo typically contains less than 0.4 grams of sugar per liter, which means it can be classified as a low-sugar wine. Therefore, if you are looking for a low-sugar option, Tempranillo can be an excellent choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tempranillo is a popular black grape variety widely grown to make full-bodied red wines. It is native to the Rioja region of Spain, where it is the most typical grape, grown in more than 75% of the vineyards. This grape also prospers in other regions and countries, such as Portugal and Australia, where it is blended with Grenache and Shiraz, respectively. Tempranillo wines are characterized by their full body and complexity of flavors, which can range from dark fruit notes to spicy pepper tones. There are now many different Tempranillo wine brands avilable for purchase, each with its own unique characteristics that will delight any wine enthusiast.
