Tempranillo (Aragonez, Tinta Fino, Tinta Roriz)

Tempranillo is a red wine grape variety that is known for its early ripening (hence the name "Tempranillo," which means "little early one" in Spanish), and it is one of the most important and widely planted grape varieties in Spain. Made famous by Rioja, this dry, medium full body wine is full of cherry & savory dried fig flavors, as well as earthy flavors like tobacco & dill. While it does not get as rich as Cabernet Sauvignon, it is a very complex wine with layers start to finish.

Varietal Origin: Tempranillo originated in Spain and is most commonly associated with the wine regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero. It is also grown in other wine regions around the world, including Portugal (where it is known as Aragonez), and is sometimes referred to as Tinta Fino in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain and Tinta Roriz in Portugal.

Taste Profile: Tempranillo wines are typically medium to full-bodied with moderate tannins and moderate to high acidity. They are known for their fruit-forward flavors, with notes of red berries, cherry, plum, and sometimes, leather, tobacco, and spice. Tempranillo wines can exhibit a range of styles, from young and fresh with vibrant fruit flavors to aged and complex with more matured characteristics.

Regional Styles: Tempranillo is most famously associated with the wine regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero in Spain, where it is used to produce both youthful and aged red wines. Rioja Tempranillo wines are often aged in oak barrels, resulting in a blend of fruit, oak, and spice flavors. Ribera del Duero Tempranillo wines are known for their rich and powerful character, with more pronounced tannins and intensity. In Portugal, where it is known as Aragonez, it is commonly used in the production of red wines in the Alentejo region, known for its ripe and fruit-driven style

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