Tempranillo
Tempranillo is most common in Spain, though it is also found in other countries including Portugal (where it’s called Aragonês or Tinta Roriz) and Argentina. It is the main grape used in some of Spain’s most highly-regarded regions including Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Toro. Flavors of berries, plum and tobacco spice are commonly experienced, with the depth and complexity of the wine dependant on the oak aging it has undergone. Popular synonyms include Cencibel, Tinta de Toro, Tinto del Pais and Tinto Fino. You can use Wine Enthusiast’s online Buying Guide to find the top-rated Tempranillo among our extensive Tempranillo wine reviews and easy-to-use database. Our Tempranillo reviews will give you a general idea what to expect from wines made from Tempranillo, and will help you find one that best suits your needs.
Dominio Buenavista 2006 Veleta Tempranillo (Vino de la Tierra Contraviesa Alpujarra)
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- $13
There’s no shortage of power here. Forward berry aromas mixed with earth and leather ring true, while the palate is layered, broad, chewy and offers bright cherry and plum flavors. It dries out well on the finish, leaving tasty notes of pepper and herbs. From the Granada area.
— M.S.
(10/1/2009)
Volteo 2007 Tempranillo (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla)
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- $10
Dark and forceful, with an earthy nose of tar, leather and baked fruit. The palate has life and size, but also quasi-sharp acidity, while flavors of blackberry carry a lactic, vanilla undertone. Finishes sweet but a little burnt.
— M.S.
(11/1/2009)
Ochoa 2001 Reserva Red (Navarra)
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- $25
Leafy, dry and mature, with baked fruit and aromas of dried oregano and basil flakes. The palate has grating tannins, while the flavors are greenish and herbal, with hints of stewed berries and burnt grass. Grabby and stalky; not sure why this old three-grape blend is still on the market.
— M.S.
(6/1/2010)
Heras Cordon 2004 Reserva Red (Rioja)
- $46
Stemmy and rough out of the blocks, with aromas of rubber and strawberry. Seems grabby in the mouth due to rather rough tannins and high acidity, and overall the wine seems forced but lacking in the essentials. Quite expensive given the result. Imported by Frontier Wine Imports.
— M.S.
(10/1/2009)
Preludio 2007 Tempranillo (Mendoza)
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- $16
Tough, rubbery aromas include notes of carob and leather. The palate has a decent, regular feel to it along with hot flavors of baked fruits and chocolate. Finishes mildly sweet, as if it was dosed with a teaspoon of brown sugar.
— M.S.
(5/1/2010)
Viña del Val 2008 Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero)
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- $9
Decent mass-produced Ribera del Duero. Strawberry and raspberry aromas lean you in the red fruit direction, and the palate is scouring, acidic and full of cherry fruit. Fresh on the finish and hard, but at least it doesn’t have off flavors.
— M.S.
(4/1/2010)
Spanish Vines 2008 Selección Tempranillo (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla)
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- $10
Young wild berry, cherry, rubber and cheese aromas lead to a big, rubbery, loud palate of plum and raspberry. Herbal notes, moderate sweetness and simplicity wrap it up.
— M.S.
(4/1/2010)
Torrederos 2005 Crianza Red (Ribera del Duero)
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- $24
Tomato, bramble and a mild burnt stemminess don’t do much for the bouquet, while the plate is rubbery and young, with plum and basic berry flavors. Standard at best, with scratchy tannins and a dry, bitter finish of mocha and wood.
— M.S.
(12/15/2009)
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