Rioja Alavesa: Quick Guide

Rioja Alavesa is the smallest of Rioja’s 3 wine-producing regions. Its primary variety is Tempranillo. Rioja Alavesa has 21% of Rioja vineyards. Where Is Rioja Alavesa? Rioja Alavesa sits in the northernmost part of the Rioja DOCa, but isn’t actually part of La Rioja. Instead, Rioja Alavea is part of Pais Vasco. Rioja Alavesa Geography […]

Tempranillo vs Crianza: What’s the Difference?

Characteristics Crianza Tempranillo Hue Bright ruby Deep ruby to garnet Color Red Red Aromas Red plum, strawberry, cherry, baking spice, vanilla, cigar box, mineral Red berries, plum, dill, tobacco, coconut Tannins Medium to high Medium to High Acid Medium to medium plus Medium Alcohol (%) 12-15.5% 13-15% Body Full Full Intensity Medium plus to pronounced […]

Tannat vs Tempranillo

Comparing Tannat vs Tempranillo is a fun exercise. These two wines are very different. Tannat has more tannin than Tempranillo. Tannat is black-fruited; Tempranillo has red fruit. Both are full-bodied red wines. TL;DR: If you like Tempranillo, you may or may not like Tannat. Tannat Basics: A Powerful Red Tannat, from the Madiran region of […]

Tempranillo vs Merlot

If you’re comparing Tempranillo vs Merlot, you’ve noticed there’s a difference. Smart! Tempranillo has more tannin and savory notes than Merlot. Merlot has a plusher body with plum and soft, silky tannins. Comparing Tempranillo vs Merlot is a perfect way to learn about these two common red wines. Tempranillo Basics: Spain’s Red Wine Tempranillo, a […]

Tempranillo vs Garnacha: Chart

Two Spanish red wines, Tempranillo vs Garnacha, should be in your wine cellar. Garnacha and Tempranillo both have red fruit. Garnacha has softer tannin and higher alcohol than Tempranillo. Both can be blended together. Comparing Tempranillo vs Garnacha makes sense. They have a shared history. These are both popular red wines you’ll come across regularly. […]

Tempranillo vs Pinot Noir

Tempranillo vs Pinot Noir are fun wines to compare. Pinot Noir red fruit, a lighter body and higher acid than Tempranillo. Tempranillo has more tannins, red fruit, and tomato notes. Both wines are widely available. Comparing Tempranillo vs Pinot Noir is a must-try side-by-side tasting for newer red wine enthusiasts. These are both popular red […]

Tempranillo vs Rioja

Characteristics Tempranillo Rioja Hue Deep purple to ruby Deep ruby to garnet Color Red Red Blending Possible Traditional Aromas Red berries, plum, tobacco Red berries, vanilla, coconut, dill, tobacco Sweetness Dry Dry Acid Moderate to high Moderate Tannin Moderate to high Moderate to high Alcohol (%) 13-14.5% 13-14.5% Body Medium to full Medium to full […]

Tempranillo vs Shiraz

If you’re thinking about the differences between Tempranillo vs Shiraz, you’re probably into savory wines. Shiraz has high tannins, with dark fruit, olive, and pepper. Tempranillo has red fruit and savory notes, like leather and tomato. Both wines are widely available. Comparing Tempranillo vs Shiraz is a must-try side-by-side tasting for newer red wine enthusiasts. […]

Tempranillo vs Zinfandel

If you’re comparing Tempranillo vs Zinfandel, you’ve noticed there’s a difference. Smart! Tempranillo is dry, high-tannin, and red-fruited; Zinfandel is dry to off-dry, has jammy black fruit, higher alcohol, softer tannins, and a fuller body. Comparing Tempranillo vs Zinfandel is a perfect way to learn about these two common red wines. Tempranillo Basics: Spain’s Red […]

Tempranillo vs Cabernet Sauvignon

Tempranillo vs Cabernet Sauvignon is an interesting comparison if tasted separately. These are wines you’ll want to taste side-by-side to tease out the differences. Tempranillo has red fruit and savory notes; Cabernet Sauvignon has black fruit and green notes. Cabernet Sauvignon is higher in alcohol, tannin, and body than most Tempranillos. Comparing Tempranillo vs Cabernet […]