The Tempranillo grape variety is one of the finest examples of the rich wealth of Spanish wines. With almost as many names as wine regions where the strain is authorised, or winemaking methods which characterise Spain itself, Tempranillo has caught the attention of the Canadian market, which currently occupies tenth place by total value on the list of Spanish wine exports.
`A Spanish grape of many names´ is the title of the report published by the eMedia website, Kelowna.com edited by staff writers at the aforementioned news service. The article encourages Canadian consumers to get the year off to a good start by trying new types of wine with the aim of broadening their tasting experience. Red Tempranillo wines, which are full-bodied with smooth tannins, are the best choice for enjoying flavours and educating the senses of taste and smell.
The Tempranillo variety is regarded by the report as the best representative of the rich mosaic which are Spanish wines. A diversity which is reflected in the multiple names given to the Tempranillo grape throughout Spain: Cencibel, Ull de Llebre, and Tinta del País; however, far from being a handicap when the time comes to marketing, according to the report, this distinction helps it to maintain its close links with the terroir where it is grown. A non-aggressive marketing strategy has avoided the Tempranillo variety from sharing the same luck as Chardonnay and Shiraz, whose globalisation ended up by diluting their image.
The news item also offers a selection of Tempranillo wines which are available on the Canadian market. A list which starts with ‘Torres Coronas Tempranillo 2005’ under DO Penedés; ‘Sabor Real Tempranillo 2006’ under DO Toro; Valdepeñas ‘Navarro López Pérgolas Old Vines Tempranillo 2006’; ‘Torres Celeste 2005’ under DO Ribera del Duero, and from the same region, made from 100 percent Tempranillo, ‘Pintia Toro 2004’ from bodegas Vega Sicilia.
The Tempranillo variety is the base of many Spanish wines made by numerous appellations and is the most widely used as regards total production figures.
