Tempranillo

Tempranillo is Spain's signature red variety and is responsible for more of the country's highest quality red wine production than any other. It has thick skins and as such is capable of making deep coloured, long-lived wines. It has a propensity to ripen early, hence its name derived from the Spanish 'temprano', which means early. Its relatively short growing cycle enables it to thrive in the often harsh Spanish climate, particularly in Rioja, where it is often blended with Garnacha.