Tempranillo
This grape is native to Spain where it is widely grown. The name is derived from the word temprano (meaning "early" in Spanish) due to the fact that the grape ripens several weeks earlier than most red varieties.
Tempranillo is often referred to as Spain's "noble grape" and is the main variety in Rioja wines.
Due to the threat of pests such as phylloxera the Spanish Tempranillo has long been grafted onto more resistant rootstock, resulting in a slightly different grape style to its direct descendants grown today in Chile and Argentina.
*(An advantage of South-American wine compared with wines from the rest of the world, is that the vines have been largely untouched from phylloxera, and whereas European vines must be grafted using American rootstock to ensure better resistance to such pests, in Argentina and Chile the vines are not grafted therefore ensuring a certain purity to the origin of the wine produced).
The tempranillo variety, when properly vinified and aged in American oak (following the Spanish method), achieves excellent qualities and its bottle aging capability is excellent.
In its youth, this variety presents simple, fruity bouquets of raspberry and blueberry, but when the wine ages and matures, it acquires liquorice and roasting traits.
Tip: The Rioja form pairs very well with the traditional Spanish food from the same area of Spain, so try with Paella, Tapas or Game