About the grape: Tempranillo
Tempranillo is the king of Spanish grapes and we love working with this versatile red variety and not only for red wine! In 'About the grape' we explore the story behind one of the most widely planted grapes in the world.
Rioja = tempranillo
Rioja is one of Spain's most famous wine regions. Thousands of years ago, the Phoenicians introduced wine making here; long before the Romans arrived. Around 1100 BC, the noble Tempranillo grape first took root in Spanish soil. Since then, it has become the deining grape of Spanish red wine. Today, you'll find it far beyond Rioja: from La Mancha and to Penedės and Navarra.
Temprano
You might think Tempranillo gets its name from the word “temperamental.” In fact, it comes from temprano, meaning “early.” The grape ripens quickly, making it one of the first varieties ready for harvest. Tempranillo also appeared early in vineyards across Spain. Its thick skins help it withstand extreme conditions, from scorching heat to icy mountain air. The grape is also highly resistant to oxidation, making it perfect for long barrel aging deep in cool cellars. From this grape, winemakers produce elegant, deeply colored wines with low acidity and smooth tannins. Because Tempranillo is not very aromatic on its own, it is often blended with other grapes, which is why it has always been the backbone of Rioja wines.
Tempranillo world famous
Although Tempranillo is most closely linked with Spain and Rioja, it ranks among the top four most planted grape varieties in the world. It even plays a key role in Port wines, where it goes by the name Tinta Roriz. Within Spain, the grape has many aliases: in Penedès it’s known as Tinto Fino, in Ribera del Duero as Tinta del País, and in La Mancha as Cencibel. Each region puts its own stamp on this versatile grape.
Old trick
Tempranillo has many names and many faces. Traditionally, Spanish winemakers mastered the art of crafting powerful, oak-heavy wines from it. For some, that makes Tempranillo the perfect wine to linger over. For others, it feels a bit too intense. At Neleman we take a different, more modern approach. We use Tempranillo to create organic wine full of fruit, lively freshness and a long smooth finish. Think of our Bike Tempranillo Monastrell. Cheers to that!
What kind of wine is Tempranillo?
Tempranillo wines are typically dry with very little residual sugar, yet they can feel slightly sweet thanks to their full, fruity body. They produce elegant, deeply colored wines with low acidity and well-structured tannins. Because the grape is not overly aromatic, it is often blended with other varieties, making it the cornerstone of Rioja. At Neleman Tempranillo appears in several of our blends such as the Signature series and the Just Fucking Good Wine red blend (both bold, full-bodied styles). We also craft Tempranillo without oak aging, where the fruit shines. The late Nicolaas Klei (famous Dutch wine critic) praised our Tempranillo in Dutch magazine Elsevier in October 2021:
"A Tempranillo that shows what a delicious wine you can make from Spain's national grape if you don't hang reserva wood around it. Fine red fruit, aromas of herbs and spices, a hint of expensive tobacco like you sometimes detect in red Graves. Slender and elegantly built, with well-lived tannins. Good wine needs no bush." This Neleman Tempranillo is available at Jumbo.
You'll also find Tempranillo in our Nucli red blend or our characterful Bike Tempranillo Monastrell. And yes, Tempranillo also makes wonderful rosé wines!
Quick Questions About Tempranillo
Is Tempranillo always Rioja?
No. Rioja wines often blend Tempranillo with other grapes, and Tempranillo itself grows in many Spanish regions.
Is Tempranillo a heavy wine?
Not necessarily. Without oak aging, Tempranillo can be fruity, light, and approachable.
What food pairs well with Tempranillo?
Tomato dishes, pasta, and tapas are great matches. For more complex wines, pair with richer foods. Or keep it simple and enjoy a glass as an aperitif.
