Tempranillo for Summer – Spain’s Star Grape, Served Your Way

Tempranillo for Summer – Spain’s Star Grape, Served Your Way

Tempranillo is one of Spain’s best-known red grapes. While it's often paired with hearty winter meals and oak-aged wines, it also shines in summer. Tempranillo offers juicy red fruit, soft tannins, and a savoury touch. It can be light and easy to chill or bold and perfect for BBQ.

This guide shows you how to enjoy Tempranillo in warm weather. We’ll cover the best styles to chill and recommend top bottles to try this summer, from Rioja to Ribera del Duero.

Ribera del Duero Joven – The Ultimate BBQ Tempranillo

Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero is a great pick. It has bold flavors that go well with grilled meats. Tinto Fino is a high-altitude wine. It offers deep black fruit flavors, natural acidity, and a strong structure.

Look for Joven styles, which are young and have little or no oak aging. They offer bright fruit and a juicy profile, perfect for outdoor dining.

Top pick: Abadía Acon Joven – A bold Ribera del Duero red. It features notes of blackberry, plum, and spice. It’s smooth yet powerful, making it a great match for grilled lamb, BBQ ribs, or flame-cooked pork.

 

Chillable Tempranillo – Fresh, light, and suitable for the fridge

Can you serve red wine chilled? Yes! Especially lighter, unoaked Tempranillo. These wines are juicy and approachable. Serve them at a temperature of 12–14°C, which is below room temperature. Placing them in the fridge for 30 minutes achieves this.

Top chillable Tempranillo wines:

  • Caminante Tempranillo – A vibrant red with raspberry, red cherry, and spice. Made without oak, it lets the fruit shine. It’s refreshing and smooth, ideal for summer.

  • Bicicleta Voladora Rioja – This organic, unfiltered Rioja makers craft with minimal intervention. It has bright red fruit and hints of herbs. This wine shows Rioja in its true form.

Best food pairings:

  • Tapas and small plates

  • Grilled vegetables

  • Tomato-based salads

  • Charcuterie and soft cheeses

These lighter Tempranillo wines are perfect for picnics and outdoor lunches. They're also great when you want a relaxed red with a refreshing twist.

Rioja Crianza – A Classic BBQ Wine

Rioja Crianza offers ripe red fruit and soft spice from oak aging. Crianza must age for at least one year in oak and one year in bottle. This process makes a balanced red that pairs well with BBQ.

These wines pair well with grilled meats. They have a solid structure but remain smooth and easy to enjoy.

Recommended Rioja Crianzas:

  • Lopez de Haro Crianza – A classic Rioja that is soft, smooth, and full of ripe red fruit, vanilla, and gentle spice. It pairs well with everything from sausages to grilled halloumi.

  • Izadi Rioja Crianza – A more serious Rioja with depth and complexity. Expect dark cherries, clove, and a touch of smoky oak. This is perfect for steak, grilled aubergine, or slow-cooked meats.

Best Tempranillo Wines for Summer

Tempranillo fits any event. No matter if it’s a garden BBQ, a summer dinner, or a Spanish wine tasting, there’s a Tempranillo that fits.

Explore our full range of Tempranillo wines by clicking here. Michelle hand-picks all wines. They are available for delivery across the nation.

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