Tempranillo Wines
Tempranillo is Spain's signature red grape, the variety that defines Rioja and Ribera del Duero, and the foundation of some of the world's most elegant, age-worthy wines. Our collection of Tempranillo wines is something we're genuinely proud of, showcasing the grape through multiple quality levels and ageing classifications - from vibrant young Joven styles to magnificent Gran Reservas with decades of evolution. What draws us to Tempranillo is its versatility and the way Spanish winemakers use oak ageing to transform it. The grape itself offers bright red fruit and good structure, but time in American and French oak barrels adds layers of vanilla, coconut, leather, and tobacco that create remarkable complexity. We've developed strong relationships with prestigious producers like Gómez Cruzado and Luis Cañas, many of whose wines are exclusive to Givino in the UK, giving you access to bottles you simply won't find elsewhere.
Why Our Tempranillo Wine Collection Is Exceptional
What makes our tempranillo wine selection genuinely special is both the calibre of producers and the comprehensive range of styles. Gómez Cruzado represents modern Rioja at its finest - wines that respect tradition whilst embracing contemporary precision. Their Crianza offers classic character at an accessible price, whilst their Viña Dorana Reserva showcases what extended ageing can achieve. Luis Cañas is another producer we've come to know personally through vineyard visits, and their range beautifully illustrates the Rioja classification system - from the fruit-forward Crianza to the complex, fully mature Gran Reserva. The Navajas Gran Reserva 2015 is a particular highlight, offering exceptional quality at a price that makes aged Rioja accessible rather than prohibitively expensive.
We've also included something intriguing - Tempranillo Blanco, the white mutation of this red grape. Both the Gómez Cruzado Blanco and Ontañón Queirón Mi Lugar showcase this rare variety, proving that red wine Tempranillo's homeland can produce compelling white wines too.
Exploring the Range of Spanish Red Wine Tempranillo
The diversity within our collection reflects Spain's traditional aging classifications for Spanish red wine, Tempranillo. Joven wines receive little or no oak, offering pure, bright fruit - perfect for everyday drinking. Crianza spends at least a year in oak and additional bottle age, developing smooth texture and vanilla notes. Reserva requires three years of ageing with at least one in oak, showing more integration and complexity. Gran Reserva, aged for at least five years with extended time in oak, offers the pinnacle of development - dried fruit, leather, tobacco, and remarkable elegance.
Common characteristics across our wine Tempranillo collection include:
- Red cherry and strawberry fruit in younger styles, evolving to dried fruit in aged wines
- Oak influence brings vanilla, coconut, cedar, and sweet spice
- Medium body with refreshing acidity that makes these wines food-friendly
- Savoury, earthy notes - leather, tobacco, dried herbs in mature examples
Understanding Tempranillo Wine Taste and Pairing
The tempranillo wine taste profile makes these wines incredibly versatile at the table. We love pairing Crianza and younger styles with grilled chorizo, patatas bravas, or roasted lamb. Reservas work beautifully with richer dishes like slow-cooked beef or aged Manchego cheese. Gran Reservas deserve special treatment - think roast game, wild mushroom dishes, or simply sipping alongside mature Spanish cheeses. The natural acidity and moderate tannins mean these wines enhance food rather than overwhelm it.
Quality and Spanish Heritage You Can Trust
Every bottle in this collection has been personally selected through our sampling trips to Spain. Our relationships with producers like Gómez Cruzado and Luis Cañas mean you're getting wines that represent exceptional quality and genuine value. Explore our collection and discover why Tempranillo remains Spain's most celebrated grape variety
