Tempranillo

Also: Tinto Fino · Tinta de Toro · Cencibel · Aragonez

Tempranillo is to Spain what Malbec is to Argentina: the grape that built the country's modern wine identity. Its name comes from 'temprano' (early), because it ripens before most other Spanish red varieties. In Rioja it's called Tempranillo, in Ribera del Duero it's Tinto Fino, in Toro it's Tinta de Toro — each region stamps it with its own character. It's a medium to full-bodied grape with solid tannin structure and a natural affinity for oak — especially American oak in Rioja, French oak in Ribera del Duero. It handles long aging (Gran Reserva: 5+ years between barrel and bottle) and evolves toward tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, and spice. In Argentina, Tempranillo has a long tradition but has rarely had the prominence it deserves. There are solid varietal wines in Mendoza and San Juan, both in young styles and structured wines, but it hasn't yet defined a recognizable Argentine profile of its own.