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Tempranillo is a versatile grape, and unlike other red wines like the Pinot noir, Tempranillo is less fussy, which is why it grows in lower climate weather. Its name, Tempranillo, is a root word gotten from the Spanish word “Temprano,” refering to fruits that have been ripened earlier than other Spanish grapes.
On the other hand, the Pinot noir is derived from the French words for “pine and black.” Pinot noir can be grown worldwide, but it thrives better mostly in excellent climate conditions, and it is majorly associated with the Burgundy region in France. Pinot noir is an essential ingredient used for the production of red wine worldwide. But what is the difference between Tempranillo vs pinot noir?
Tempranillo is far less fussy than Pinot Noir. As a result, it grows in warmer climates and cooler climates. Tempranillo is made of plums, cherry, dried figs, and tomatoes, while Pinot noir is made from dark-skinned grapes. They also differ in color!
Please stick with me as we go through the significant differences and similarities between these two.
What Is Tempranillo?
If you are craving a red wine with a savoury and unique taste, you should try out Tempranillo, Spain’s number one grape.
Tempranillo is a surprisingly fresh wine in its prime, and it can be fruity. It develops a dustier and tobacco-filled taste with a leathery flavor, and wine craves when it starts to age.
This Tempranillo variety has been in existence ever since 1807, and it is said to be the fourth most planted variety in the world and is considered one of the nine most grown red noble grapes that exist.
See Also: Tempranillo Vs Malbec
What Is Pinot Noir?
Pinot noir is also a grape, and the wine consists solely of varietal grapes. Pinot noir grape is usually used to make four types of varietal wine; red Pinot noir, rose Pinot noir, sparkling Pinot noir, and white Pinot noir.
The Pinot noir is usually used for making blended wine like champagne, blended rose, and the Sancerre.
Due to its versatility, Pinot noir can be used to make both red and white wines, and because they are translucent, they can retain water while on the vine. Even if Pinot noir can be challenging and temperamental to cultivate, it can be grown worldwide.
Tempranillo Vs Pinot Noir: Key Differences
Tempranillo is easy to find as it is diverse and happens to have a great flavor profile, likewise the Pinot noir.
Tempranillo is usually made of cherry, plums, dried figs, and tomatoes, while Pinot noir is made from dark-skinned grapes that you can find in narrow and cooler climates.
The Tempranillo is noticeably ruby red, while the Pinot noir is a visible light red and fine wine when it comes to color.
When it comes to acidity level, the Tempranillo has a high level of noticeable acidity. In contrast, even with its slightly elevated edge, you cannot compare the Pinot noir to the Tempranillo as it has a pH between 3.3 and 3.8.
Some people thought that the Tempranillo and Pinot noir meant the same thing, but as time went on, it was discovered that there was no relationship between those two cultivars.
See Also: 5 Best Grape Vinegar Substitutes
What Can I Pair With Tempranillo?
Due to its savoury taste, Tempranillo pairs well with almost all types of food, including the regional Spanish and French cuisines.
Some food the Tempranillo goes well with includes lasagne, pizza, grilled barbecue meats, grits, polenta, tacos, nachos, burritos, chilli, and tomato-based dishes.
What Can I Pair With Pinot Noir Be Paired With?
Pinot noir is a versatile wine that complements dishes, as it is a food-friendly red wine. The rich and tasty flavor profile of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry with a spicy undertone creates a mix that perfectly complements a wide variety of dishes.
Popular food pairing includes beef, peking or roasted duck, grilled salmon/tuna, mushroom sauce, roasted pork loin with herbs, cheese pairings, and strawberry chocolates.
Frequently Asked Question
Is Tempranillo a Red Wine?
Yes, it is. Tempranillo generally is a black grape variety that is mainly grown to produce full-bodied red wines. Its name tempranillo is a root word for the spans term Temprano, a Spanish word for “early.”
What Are Brands of Tempranillo Wines Good?
The top tempranillo wines you should try out if you want to have a shot at tempranillo include the; bodega’s Santa Rufina, vina Rufina tempranillo, the cillar de silos, Lavine de Amelia tempranillo, eguren Ugarte, Anastasios tempranillo and the hammekan, oraculo, crianza ribera del duero.
You should check out these brands listed for quality tempranillo wines you wouldn’t want to stop taking once you get a taste.
Is Merlot A Tempranillo?
Yes, Merlot is a Tempranillo that has proved popular in northern Spain, particularly in Navarra and other parts of the world. Merlot primarily exhibits cherry or caramel-like flavor, but it is often recognized for its silky-smooth texture and not its taste.
Is Tempranillo High in Its Acidity?
Yes, Tempranillo has a few traces of acid that should be noticeably coupled with its tannin.
How Long Does Tempranillo Last When Open?
Tempranillo lasts for about 3-5 days after it has been opened, and when opened for the first time, the cork should be reinserted as the longer the acid and tannin last in the bottle, the longer it stays.
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