Red grape
Tempranillo
A medium-to-high-tannin black grape with red plum and cherry that develops savory, leathery notes with age, and Rioja's dominant red variety.
At a glance
- Red plum
- Medium to high tannin
- Savory with age
Recognize it
Medium to firm tannin frames red plum and cherry. Tobacco and leather can develop with age. Vanilla or coconut usually point to oak, especially American oak, rather than the grape itself.
Similar grapes
Sangiovese
Similar savory red fruit and firm tannin.
Difference Sangiovese is higher in acidity and more sour-cherry driven.
Merlot
Similar plum fruit and medium-to-firm tannin.
Difference Merlot is rounder, softer and usually less savory.