Grapes · Red grape
Tempranillo
Spain's flagship red, at home in Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Often aged in oak for years, which adds vanilla and dill to its cherry and leather character.
Also known as: Tinto Fino / Tinta del País (Ribera del Duero), Tinta de Toro, Tinta Roriz / Aragonez (Portugal)
On the nose
Young wines (primary aromas)
- red cherry
- plum
- strawberry
- tomato
- dried fig
Oak & winemaking (secondary)
- vanilla
- coconut
- dill (American oak)
- toast
- sweet spice
With bottle age (tertiary)
- leather
- tobacco
- cedar
- dried fruit
- earth
On the palate
Dry, medium to full body, medium acidity and medium-plus tannins. Young wines are fruity; Reserva and Gran Reserva styles are mellow, savoury and long.
Tasting tip
Vanilla and dill from American oak plus leather and dried cherry are a strong hint for traditional Rioja.
Often confused with
Sangiovese (higher acidity, herbal), Cabernet Sauvignon (more cassis, firmer), Merlot (plummier, softer).
Where it grows
- Spain — Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro