Wine Glossary
Definition: Tempranillo
[tem-prah-NEE-yoh] An important red-wine grape native to northern Spain and widely cultivated in the northern and central parts of that country. Tempranillo can generate deep-colored wines with characteristics of strawberry, spice and fresh tobacco. Because of its lower acidity and alcohol levels, Tempranillo is usually blended with other grape varieties. It's a principal component in the famous Rioja wines, which are usually blended with Garnacha (Grenache), Mazuelo, and Graciano. In the Portugese regions of Alentejo (where this grape's called Aragonêz) and Douro (where it's known as Roriz or Tinta Roriz)
Source: Answers.com; Wine Lover's Companion - R & S Herbst
