Tempranillo is a red grape variety native to Spain, in Spanish temprano means early, but their is nothing early in this varietal, its renowned for the role in producing some of the most famous spanish wines, particularly the very famous regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero. The grape does ripen earlier than many other red grape varieties, and why it got its name.
Flavor profile in the tempranillo wines often exhibit flavors of cherry, plum, and tomato, with notes of leather, tobacco, and vanilla when aged in oak, the grape is considered light bodied, but is often aged for long period of time and becomes fuller bodied, leathery wine.
This grape is versatile and can be made into a range of styles, from young, fruit forward wines to complex, aged versions, like any other grape if aged in oak barrels adds depth and additional flavors.
Regions famous for tempranillo;
Rioja: Known with a nice structured, elegant wine that often winemakers blend with varieties like Garnacha and Graciano.
In Ribera del Duero, the fruit typically produces bolder, more robust wines predominantly made from Tempranillo, often referred to locally as Tinto Fino, or tinta national.
Tempranillo has its popularity outside of Spain, with great plantings in regions like Portugal (where it’s known as Tinta Roriz), California, and Argentina, and now WA-ine.
Tempranillo is gaining traction in Washington State, where the climate and terroir are conducive to producing high-quality wines.
some factors that help Tempranillo in Washington:
The regions, this fruit is primarily grown in the Columbia Valley, particularly in Walla Walla and Yakima Valley.
Washington Tempranillo has the ability to showcases ripe fruit flavors, such as cherry and blackberry,in a state that is known for their berries and tomatoes is great to age to complement the also known earthy, and subtle herbs and veggie notes.
Food Pairing – Washington Tempranillo pairs well with a variety of dishes, in this case we are focusing on Spanish and Washington foods.
Roast leg of lamb with mint sauce, or jelly
Pan tomate con butifarra (crostini with tomato and pork sausage)
Roasted chicken with a rainier cherry glaze
Solomillo al cabrales (Filet mignon with artisan made blue cheese)
Paella valenciana, or Catalan fideua
Grill patty pan squash, with a pickled rhubarb and jamon iberico slices.
Bottle Recommendations
No Girls tempranillo
The walls wonderful nightmare
Gremercy cellars tempranillo
K Vintners El Jefe tempranillo
Tempranillo is becoming a noteworthy variety in Washington’s wine, which has contribute to the state’s diverse offerings and expanding its reputation for high-quality, not California grape wines.