Tempranillo
Red wine grape variety
Also known as Tinto Fino, Ull de Llebre, Cencibel, Tinta del Pais, Aragonez (Spain/Portugal)
Tempranillo is a red wine grape with signature aromas of red cherry, dill, leather. Structure: Medium(+) body, Medium(+) acidity, Medium(+) tannin, Medium alcohol. Often confused with Syrah and Grenache.
Recognition cues
First checks
- Look for red-black fruit with leather and savory oak spice.
- Assess acidity as moderate-to-medium-plus rather than sharply high.
Confidence signals
- Dill and leather notes
- Medium-plus tannin with savory finish
Aromas
Signature
Common
Occasional
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: Rioja · Ribera del Duero · Toro · Douro
- Classic styles: Savory oak-aged Iberian red · Structured tempranillo-led blend
Common questions
Is Tempranillo a red or white grape variety?
Tempranillo is a red wine grape variety.
What does Tempranillo smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Tempranillo include red cherry, dill and leather. Structural profile: Medium(+) body, Medium(+) acidity, Medium(+) tannin, Medium alcohol.
What blind-tasting cues distinguish Tempranillo?
Documented tells for Tempranillo: Look for red-black fruit with leather and savory oak spice. and Assess acidity as moderate-to-medium-plus rather than sharply high..
What is Tempranillo most often confused with in blind tasting?
Tempranillo is most commonly confused with Syrah, Grenache and Sangiovese. Resolve the call with structure and signature aromas.
Where is Tempranillo grown?
Classic regions for Tempranillo include Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro and Douro.