(Temp-rah-NEEL-yo) - Excellent Spanish red-wine grape. Like Nebbiolo and Sangiovese in Italy, it historically takes a second place to Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir in the world "noble grape" sweepstakes but probably shouldn't; it makes wines in Rioja and Ribera del Duero (which see) that are arguably world-class. Black fruit is the usual descriptor, although most Tempranillo-based wines show spicy oak as an integral component, and are also characterized by the hearty, robust and acidic structure that the grape imparts.

Superb Spanish grape

Spain's most famous red grape varietal, noble. Also called "Ull de Llebre", "Tinto Fimo", "Cencibel" and "Tinta del Pais"