Tempranillo

Aromas and Flavors: raspberry, cherry, vanilla, tobacco
Low to medium acidity but relatively high in tannin from their thick skins
AKA: Many regional names throughout Spain: in Catalunya called Ull de Llebre, in Valdepenas called Cencibel, In Alentejo, Portugal called Aragones or Tinta Roriz
Primary red wine grape for much of Spain, especially wines from the Ribera del Duero and the Rioja, (where it is blended with Garnacha)
Key blending varietal in Port and known by the name of Tinta Roriz in Portugal’s Douro Valley
It needs only a short growing season and this early ripening tendency is the source of the name tempranillo, which translates to “little early one”
Tempranillo vines prefer a cooler climate and have low resistance to many vine diseases and pests
The vines tolerate heat well, but the fruit develops indistinct flavors and undesirable characteristics in hot climates