Tempranillo consists of medium to large sized compact bunches of small thick-skinned berries that are relatively fertile and bud and ripen early. The vines are sensitive to extreme drought and wind. Higher yields reduce the color and fruit intensity and acidity of the wines.

These are generic growing characteristics of this varietal.  Rootstock selection will impact the production, ripening and growth patterns of any varietal material.

Tempranillo has less alcohol than Granacha varieties. It consists of marked tannins and low acidity. The flavors range form spicy, leather tobacco and even strawberry when the aging is extended.

Tempranillo is Spain's most famous grape.  Other popular names include Tinta Roriz (Portugal) and Valdepeñas (Napa Valley). Termprano is Spanish for "early" because the vine buds and ripens early. THe first reliable mention of Tempranillo is in 1807 in north-west Aragon, but the first possible mention may have been in the thirteenth century, as las tempraniellas.