Tempranillo
Tempranillo is a common grape in Spain, in that way common, that Spain and Tempranillo are nearly unseperable. It forms the basis of almost all Rioja's and Ribero del Duero wines, the two areas in Spain where some of the best wines are produced. These wines are often matured on wood and can deliver very long shelf life and beautiful full bodied wines.
Taste
Wines from Tempranillo have a lot of fruit, both black, and red fruit (strawberries, cherries) and dried fruit (plums). The wines have low acidity, also contributing to the longivity. Characteristic are tabacco, wood (cedar) and spicy elements.
Other
The Tempranillo grape is often mixed with a local grape variety, but combined with Cabernet Sauvignon or as a cepage is also a common way of using this variety. The vines of Tempranillo usually are planted all over the field rather than in straight lines. Also to get the best grapes the vines are thoroughly pruned, meaning the yield of Tempranillo is usually relatively low.
