Tempranillo Wines: The red soul of spanish wine
A conversation with Tempranillo
When we talk about Tempranillo wines, just saying its name evokes the vineyards of Spain, early ripening —from which it takes its name— and the nuances that oak and terroir bring to this versatile grape. In this article, we trace a journey through its ampelographic characteristics —the visible morphological traits of the vine—, its virtues in the vineyard, and, of course, the interpretations we’ve created at J. Fernando.
What is Tempranillo? — Characteristics and potential
Tempranillo is a red grape with thick skin, spherical berries of purplish-black color, and colorless pulp. It thrives best at moderate altitudes but can adapt to milder climates. Its name refers to its early ripening —it matures weeks before other Spanish red varieties.
Among its most distinctive traits are:
- Moderate acidity: not naturally high in acid, which often leads to blending or vineyard practices aimed at enhancing freshness.
- Aromas tend toward black fruit (blackberry, blueberry), with touches of plum and, when aged, hints of vanilla, tobacco, leather, or spices.
- Neutral profile: allows it to gracefully absorb the influence of oak without being overshadowed.
- Agronomic sensitivity: prone to water stress, diseases, and extreme humidity variations, conditions that require careful vineyard management.
In short: Tempranillo combines an expressive aromatic profile with moderate structure, allowing for a wide range of styles—from young wines to complex reservas.
Tempranillo at J. Fernando: Our Approach
At J. Fernando Family Wines, we’ve embraced Tempranillo as the backbone of our red wine range because it conveys the character of Castilla and reflects our decisions in both vineyard and cellar.
Among our wines featuring this variety:
- Viñedos de la Cuesta: a Tempranillo aged 9 months in oak —an interpretation seeking balance between fruit and wood.
- J. Fernando Tempranillo 6 Meses 2023: 100% Tempranillo, with six months in barrel that enhance its fruit expression and add complexity.
- J. Fernando La Familia: a blend in which Tempranillo represents 60%, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Garnacha for structure and distinctive character.
Let’s take a closer look at these examples.
Viñedos de la Cuesta
Here, Tempranillo is aged longer—nine months in barrel. This version seeks greater structure, aromatic complexity, and harmony between fruit and oak. On our website, we describe it as a wine that “offers the perfect balance of aromas from its passage through French and American oak.”
It’s designed for those seeking a smoother, deeper expression of the variety—more depth, more secondary notes, more maturity.
J. Fernando Tempranillo 6 Meses 2023
This is our most “pure” Tempranillo, made entirely from this emblematic grape. Under the I.G.P. Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla, it aims to balance fruit and oak. In the glass, it shows a garnet hue with strawberry rims; on the nose, blackberry and blueberry stand out; on the palate, it’s enveloping, persistent, and well-rounded.
Harvested at night to preserve aromatic freshness, it undergoes fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. The wine ages for six months in new French and American oak barrels, gaining structure without overshadowing varietal identity.
This style proves that Tempranillo doesn’t need excess to shine—its fruit and character stand out naturally, with elegance.
J. Fernando La Familia
In this version, Tempranillo provides the dominant essence (60%) and is combined with Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon to broaden aromatic and structural range. The result is a wine with strong toasted notes (black coffee, tar) over ripe fruit, flavorful on the palate with firm yet elegant tannins.
This kind of blend demonstrates that Tempranillo can coexist with other varieties, draw richness from them, and still impart its distinctive character to the whole.
Tempranillo VS style, aging, and terroir
One of the fascinating aspects of Tempranillo is its ability to adapt to different styles—from young, fresh wines to complex reservas. At J. Fernando, we’ve seen this firsthand: by varying aging time, barrel type, or blending, we can shape its expression.
- In young or moderately aged wines (like our Tempranillo 6 Meses), fruit, liveliness, and primary aromas take center stage.
- With longer aging (Viñedos de la Cuesta), secondary notes emerge: toasted, spicy, and tertiary nuances.
- In blends (La Familia), Tempranillo acts as the backbone, while other grapes contribute acidity, structure, or volume.
The terroir of Castilla—with its continental climate, temperature variations, and well-drained soils—enhances this duality: ensuring ripe black fruit while demanding skill to preserve freshness.
Pairings and serving: What goes well with Tempranillo
Tempranillo wines are extremely versatile at the table:
- Young or moderately aged wines (like our Tempranillo 6 Meses) pair beautifully with roasted meats, traditional stews, aged cheeses, and Iberian cured meats.
- Longer-aged versions (Viñedos de la Cuesta) complement more structured dishes: roast lamb, meat stews, or mushroom dishes with rich sauces.
- In blends like La Familia, we can explore more diverse pairings: red meats, mushrooms, light game stews, or beef dishes with spiced garnishes.
In Conclusion…
Ultimately, we wanted to paint a complete and multifaceted portrait of Tempranillo and the Tempranillo wines we craft at J. Fernando. We’ve talked about its varietal character, stylistic versatility, its role in our range (Tempranillo 6 Meses, Viñedos de la Cuesta, La Familia), and its place at the table.
We leave you with this conviction: Tempranillo is more than just a grape—it’s a bridge between the classic and the contemporary, a thread that weaves together who we are and what we aspire to be. And every bottle you uncork becomes part of that shared story.
If you’d like to explore further, visit our website and the technical sheets for each wine.