Spain’s signature red grape under all its names: Tempranillo in Rioja, Tinto Fino in Ribera del Duero, Tinta de Toro, and Tinta Roriz in Portugal’s Douro.
Tempranillo is Spain’s most important red grape and the backbone of its most famous wines. This selection covers it under all its names and in every style, delivered in 2–4 working days from Marbella, free from €100.
Its name comes from temprano, early: it ripens before other varieties. In Rioja it’s Tempranillo; in Ribera del Duero, Tinto Fino or Tinta del País; in Toro, Tinta de Toro; in La Mancha, Cencibel; in Catalonia, Ull de Llebre; and in Portugal, Tinta Roriz or Aragonez.
In Rioja it makes elegant reds with red fruit and spice. In Ribera del Duero, at altitude, it becomes more intense and black-fruited. In Toro, with more sun, it gains power and body. Young, it is fruity and easy; aged in barrel, it develops vanilla, leather and tobacco and can age for decades.
Roast lamb, grilled meat, cured sausages and aged cheese. Young ones also with pasta and pizza.
