Food
Tempranillo Food & Wine Pairing Guide
Tempranillo is renowned for its juicy, rustic fruit profile and food-friendly nature. Lighter than Shiraz, but heavier than Pinot Noir, Tempranillo is a great variety for wine lovers looking to expand their horizons and find an ideal match for spicier food.
Originating in Spain, the name Tempranillo comes from the Spanish word “temprana,” which means ‘early,’ referring to the fact that it’s an early-ripening red. It’s a versatile wine, with grapes known to thrive in heat and even drought. Tempranillo first came to Australia in the early 1990s and is now planted in many regions across the country, all with relative success.
The wine’s spicy, berry-fruit muskiness and mouth-filling tannins are ideally suited to a range of Spanish-inspired cuisine which suits the Aussie lifestyle, as dishes are often quick and easy to prepare.
We’ve curated the ultimate Tempranillo and food matching guide for you to explore unique Spanish-inspired flavours from the comfort of your home.
This Middle Eastern classic is surprisingly simple to create, and you may already possess several of the spices. It’s an excellent match for Tempranillo as the lighter qualities of lamb complement the savouriness of the wine without impeding its flavours.
Celebrity chef Miguel Maestre has crafted this delectable dish inspired by his homeland of Spain. The hotpot’s spicy meats go hand-in-hand with the spice-driven style of Tempranillo, and when the two are paired, they provide an incredible foundation for a Spanish-themed dinner.
Rich, marinated pork ribs with a side of white bean salad add a unique Spanish twist to your next backyard barbeque. This delicious wine contains a splash of Grenache, making it juicy and fresh and ideally suited to the warmer months.
This easy to prepare meal is nothing short of gourmet and is worthy of being served as an entrée at a fine dining establishment. It’s another dish that benefits from a light to medium-bodied Tempranillo that complements the mushroom and chorizo flavours without overpowering them.
A hearty dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy the entire family. The complex, spicy flavours of this one-pan dish deserve an equally intriguing wine and a medium-bodied Tempranillo is the way to go.