Tempranillo is a gorgeous grape indigenous to Spain. In fact, the Spanish are super proud of this grape because they have been making it into wine for over 2,000 years. Tempranillo is a thick-skinned, deeply-coloured grape variety that gives juicy strawberry, spice and leather notes to the great red wines of Rioja and Ribera del Douro. It’s also a key grape for making Port. Tempranillo is known as Tinta Roriz in the Douro and Dão, and Aragonez/Aragonês in Alentejo (all Portugal). The grape makes wines that can age very well, developing leathery, oaky (vanilla, spice) aromas and flavours with a few years in-bottle.

Old world: As Spain’s flagship red grape you’ll find a huge range of Tempranillo here, from the finest Gran Reserva Rioja and Ribera del Duero to vibrantly fruity everyday bottles. New world: Because of its affinity with a Mediterranean climate, Tempranillo is finding favour in hotter parts of the world such as the McLaren Vale in South Australia, Argentina and Chile, and plantings are on the increase. Full of body, fruit, and acidity, Tempranillo is wonderful with beef stew, steak, or anything requiring a bold partner.