Wine

  1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Wine

Tempranillo

By Stacy Slinkard, About.com

Definition: The Tempranillo grape is the dominant grape varietal in Spain's Rioja wines. It produces a medium to full-bodied red wine with lower acidity and full fruit flavor characteristics. These wines are grown primarily in the Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions of Spain.

Flavor Profile - Tempranillo wines have characteristic flavors of plum, cherry, and strawberry often mixed with an earthy minerality.

Food Pairings - Tempranillo wines are perhaps one of the most food friendly wines around. They offer versatility and value - without forsaking flavor and lift. Consider pairing them with their hometown favorites - tapas, pork, grilled or roasted entrees.

Producers to try:

Montecillo

La Rioja Alta

Baron de Ley

Marques de Caceres

Osborne

Pronunciation: Temp-ra-knee-oh

Explore Wine

About.com Special Features

Wine

  1. Home
  2. Food & Drink
  3. Wine
  4. Vineyard Vocab
  5. Tempranillo

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.