red grape

Tempranillo

Adaptable; most famous in Spain's cooler north (Rioja, Ribera) and in Portugal.

Known as: Tinto Fino, Cencibel, Ull de Llebre, Aragonez

Tempranillo is Spain's great red grape, the king of Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Its name comes from 'temprano' (early), for its early ripening - and its early, cherry-laden appeal.

Depending on ageing, it ranges from juicy young wines to the creamy, vanilla-kissed complexity of Gran Reserva, soaked in American oak.

In Portugal it's called Tinta Roriz and plays a key role in Douro reds and Port. For the buyer, Tempranillo is a superb wedding of fruit, structure and tradition.

Flavour & Aroma Profile

Aroma

cherrydried figcedarcocoaearth

Flavour

red cherryplumtobaccoleathervanilla spice

Food Pairing

· cured ham
· lamb chops
· Manchego cheese
· roast vegetables

Notable Tempranillo Wines

All wines →

Curated top picks first, then other wines made from Tempranillo.

★ Top Pick

red

Vega Sicilia Único

Ribera del Duero · 2024 (representative vintage)

Vega Sicilia Único is an red wine from Spain, in the Ribera del Duero region (North-central Spain, along the Duero river in the province of Burgundy, over 800m above sea level.), made principally from Tempranillo. Spain's most legendary wine, aged for years before release.

$400–$700 est. retail

★ Top Pick

red

Rioja Oriental Tempranillo Riserva

Rioja · 2024 (representative vintage)

Rioja Oriental Tempranillo Riserva is an red wine from Spain, in the Rioja region (Northern Spain, along the Ebro river, split between the regions of La Rioja, Álava and Navarra.), made principally from Tempranillo. a reserve-tier Rioja Oriental tempranillo that represents the region's premium bottled expression.

$81–$160 est. retail

★ Top Pick

red

Valladolid Tempranillo Riserva

Ribera del Duero · 2024 (representative vintage)

Valladolid Tempranillo Riserva is an red wine from Spain, in the Ribera del Duero region (North-central Spain, along the Duero river in the province of Burgundy, over 800m above sea level.), made principally from Tempranillo. a reserve-tier Valladolid tempranillo that represents the region's premium bottled expression.

$63–$125 est. retail

★ Top Pick

red

R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva

Rioja · 2024 (representative vintage)

R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva is an red wine from Spain, in the Rioja region (Northern Spain, along the Ebro river, split between the regions of La Rioja, Álava and Navarra.), made principally from Tempranillo. The great traditionalist Rioja, aged for a decade in oak before release — history in a bottle.

$60–$110 est. retail

red

La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904

Rioja · 2024 (representative vintage)

La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 is an red wine from Spain, in the Rioja region (Northern Spain, along the Ebro river, split between the regions of La Rioja, Álava and Navarra.), made principally from Tempranillo. The benchmark semi-traditional Rioja — long-aged Tempranillo that drinks beautifully on release.

$50–$90 est. retail

red

Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5º

Ribera del Duero · 2024 (representative vintage)

Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5º is an red wine from Spain, in the Ribera del Duero region (North-central Spain, along the Duero river in the province of Burgundy, over 800m above sea level.), made principally from Tempranillo. The younger sibling of Único — five-year-aged Tempranillo from Spain's proudest estate.

$120–$200 est. retail