Wine Notes on Tempranillo Montecillo

Tempranillo is the indigenous noble grape of Spain growing mainly in Rioja region (Ebro River Valley, North Central Spain), which is often called the Napa Valley of Spain. The name comes from Spanish word “temprano” (early) because the grapes ripen several weeks earlier than other red varietals. The grapes have thick skin and colorless pulp, therefore the ruby red color of the wine comes from the skin.

Tempranillo grows in cooler climates and is very fragile. It doesn’t tolerate dry, hot weather or humidity (which can affect the color) and has very little resistance to pests and diseases. The grape has been grown in Spain since ancient Phoenician and Roman times. It was brought to America by Spanish Conquistadors in the 17th century but it was grafted into more resistant rootstock in Chile and Argentina. Today Tempranillo is grown also in the US (under the name Valdepenas), Australia and South Africa.

Tempranillo is aged in French Oak barrels. When blind tasted it was taken for a mid term Bordeaux. This wine scored 91 points in Wine Spectator. The winery, Bodegas Montecillo was founded in 1847 and it is the third oldest winery in Rioja.