On the Wine Side with Dominique - International Tempranillo Day

Here at the store we have a wonderful selection of Spanish Tempranillos. How to choose?

One of my favorite ways to learn about wines is to try bottles of the same grape by different producers. International Tempranillo Day is a great excuse to do this.

What is Tempranillo? It's a red grape that's most widely associated with Spain, though it's grown in Portugal, where it's known as "Tinta Roriz," and in Argentina. Temprano means "early" in Spanish, and this grape does just that, ripening early and flourishing in a warm climate with calcareous soils.

What is the flavor profile of wines made from this grape? According to Wine Spectator, "Tempranillo's profile varies, depending mostly on winemaking techniques, but it does have hallmark characteristics. It makes medium- to full-bodied reds of moderate to high levels of tannins and acidity. It shows a mix of red and dark fruits, including cherry and plum, as well as earth and herbal notes; its acidity can sometimes be citrusy and orange-peel like....oak aging imparts flavors like vanilla and cocoa powder."