Best tempranillo wines to try

Best tempranillo wines

On the second Thursday of November we celebrate tempranillo. This year that's November 14. Tempranillo (pronounced temp-rah-nee-oh) is Spain's most widely planted red wine grape, while in Australia its parcels are small. 

Young or joven styles of tempranillo show notes of cherry, plum, tomato and dried fig. As it ages, flavours of cedar, leather, tobacco, vanilla, dill and clove evolve. Some of the best Australian tempranillo comes from cooler regions, including the Alpine Valleys. The Victorian region is on display below, with options from Mayford Wines, Anderson & Marsh and Billy Button Wines (all have been scored 'outstanding' by Jeni Port).

If you're after a top tempranillo wine from Western Australia – you can't go wrong with Aravina Estate's Limited Release Tempranillo. The 2023 vintage was included in our recent Top 100 Wines as one of the best red wines under $50 (not to mention it's an absolute steal at $33). Also from WA, La Kooki's 2022 Las Piedras Tempranillo, which comes from Geographe, along with the Three Elms Timbertops Tempranillo from Frankland River.

Now, let's talk food pairings and tempranillo. Young tempranillo is a strong match for paella (obviously), and tomato-based dishes like pizza and pasta. If the wine has had time on oak, embrace smoky flavours and match with roast lamb or steak. Salud!

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Through Introduction to Wine, students will learn about Australian wine and wine regions, how wine is made, how to taste and describe wine, how to approach food and wine matches, along with handy tips that address common wine questions. And in part one of our Wines of the World course, discover and explore the iconic wines, regions and laws of France, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Germany and Austria.

Image credit: Wine Australia.