The Road Linds Travels

Happy International Tempranillo Day! It’s the second Thursday in November every year. If you didn’t know – now you know! This noble grape variety has deep roots in the rich viticultural history of Spain and has long been celebrated for its exceptional qualities and the wines it produces. I had the pleasure of sipping on quite a few “Tinto Finos” while traipsing around the country this past summer.

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Let’s delve deeper into this red wine’s rich history and modern characteristics, exploring its journey from its early days to its current status as a globally recognized and cherished grape variety.

HISTORICAL ROOTS

The historical narrative of Tempranillo is a tapestry woven with the threads of Spain’s diverse cultural influences. While the exact origins remain somewhat mysterious, there is consensus that the grape has deep indigenous roots in the Iberian Peninsula, while others indicate that ancient civilizations, such as the Phoenicians or Romans, may have introduced it.

Some scholars suggest that this varietal has evolved over centuries, adapting to Spain’s diverse terroirs and climates. Clearly, the origins of Tempranillo are somewhat elusive. Regardless of its origin, the grape has established itself as the cornerstone of Spanish winemaking.

“Tempranillo” is derived from the Spanish word “temprano,” meaning early, so if we’re literally translating, “Tempranillo translates to “Little early one.” Awww. This terminology reflects the grape’s characteristic trait of ripening early in the season, which is advantageous in Spain’s challenging climate. The grape is known by various regional synonyms, such as Tinto Fino in Ribera del Duero, Tinta de Toro in Toro, and Ull de Llebre in Catalonia.

RIOJA’S LEGACY

Historically, Tempranillo has been a key player in the production of Rioja wines, one of Spain’s most renowned wine regions. Rioja, in northern Spain, has a well-suited climate to Tempranillo, allowing the grape to achieve optimal ripeness. Over the centuries, winemakers in Rioja have perfected their techniques for aging it in oak barrels, creating wines with a harmonious balance of fruit, acidity, and oak influence.

The heart of Tempranillo’s story lies in the Rioja region, where it has played a pivotal role in crafting some of Spain’s most iconic wines. Rioja’s unique continental and Mediterranean climates provide an ideal environment for Tempranillo to thrive. The region’s winemakers have mastered the art of blending, using oak aging to impart complexity and sophistication to their wines. The traditional classifications of Rioja wines—Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva—underscore the aging potential of Tempranillo, showcasing its ability to evolve gracefully over time.

Tempranillo has expanded its presence beyond Rioja in recent decades, gaining prominence in other Spanish regions. Notably, Ribera del Duero has emerged as a formidable rival to Rioja, producing Tempranillo wines that showcase a different grape expression. These wines often exhibit robust tannins, concentrated fruit flavors, and a pronounced minerality.

A MIGRATING GRAPE

Tempranillo has also found success in regions outside of Spain. Tempranillo has spread its wings internationally. Winemakers in areas such as the United States, Australia, and Argentina have embraced the grape, experimenting with different winemaking styles and blending it with other varieties. Known as Tinta Roriz in Portugal, it plays a critical role in the country’s Port wine blends. In the New World, particularly in the United States, Australia, and Argentina, winemakers experiment with different winemaking styles, offering a fresh perspective on Tempranillo and often producing wines that combine the grape’s Old World elegance with New World innovation.

FIVE FUN FACTS ABOUT TEMPRANILLO

• • Y’all know I love me some fun facts, so below, I’ve included nine fun facts about this versatile, delicious grape variety in honor of the date this international celebration falls on this year:
  • Tempranillo is older than Jesus Christ.
  • This grape has a low tolerance to pests and inclement weather, rendering it particularly sensitive.
  • Its leaves are heavily serrated, likening it to a maple leaf.
  • The grape holds the distinction of being the world’s third most cultivated wine grape.
  • While the grape has a black skin, it doesn’t possess the same thickness as some other dark grape varieties.
  • When purchasing Spanish Tempranillo, be familiar with four aging terms:
    • • “Vin Joven” wines are unoaked and meant for immediate consumption.
      • “Crianza” indicates at least 2 years of aging, with a minimum of six months in oak.
      • “Reserva” signifies a minimum of 3 years of aging, one of which is in oak, offering higher quality and richness.
      • “Gran Reserva” denotes wines from outstanding vintages, aged a minimum of five years, with at least 18 months in oak, although many producers exceed this timeframe.
  • This wine complements barbecue-grilled meats, charcuterie, tacos, burritos, nachos, and tomato-based sauce dishes.
  • Tempranillo’s leaves turn bright red in Autumn, making this wine an ideal addition to the top ten best affordable red wines for fall. Ask me for my favorites!
  • A white mutation of the grape exists, known as Tempranillo Blanco, and you can try it here!

A MODERN PROFILE OF TEMPRANILLO

Today, Tempranillo is celebrated for its versatility, expressing itself in various styles from young and fruity to deeply structured and age-worthy. The grape’s adaptability to different climates and soil types has contributed to its global popularity. As the wine world continues to evolve, Tempranillo remains a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional grape varieties and their ability to captivate wine enthusiasts (like you and I) across the globe.

This global ambassador for Spanish wine expresses a broad spectrum of flavors. In its youth, Tempranillo wines often showcase vibrant red and black fruit notes and a refreshing acidity. As the wines age, they develop complexities such as leather, tobacco, and vanilla, thanks to extended oak aging.

The grape’s ability to balance traditional and modern winemaking has contributed to its popularity. Whether it’s the classic elegance of a Rioja Reserva or the bold expression of a Ribera del Duero Tinto, Tempranillo continues to captivate wine enthusiasts around the world, highlighting the enduring appeal of this noble grape variety. So, what are you waiting for? Join The California Wine Club today to try this grape varietal and so much more from an exclusive collection of artisan wineries.

Cheers! Salud! Santé! Prost! And all the other languages of the world – Happy International Tempranillo Day.