Tempranillo Wine Grape

Tempranillo Wine Grape

The most popular red wine grape in Spain, Tempranillo is the grape that made Rioja famous worldwide for its complex, rich texture and ability to age for many decades. Often aged in oak for many months after fermentation is completed, a good Tempranillo can be cellared for years. Though not often planted outside of Spain, a handful of growers in California are producing wines made with this grape. Vines can be aggressive and produce many clusters that need to be thinned. The best location for planting Tempranillo is still up for debate in the United States, but a location where it can get enough heat to ripen, but still some cool temperatures at night to give it some acidity is preferred. Growers in Southern Oregon are finding promising results with Tempranillo as well as a few vineyards in the Willamette Valley.

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Name: Vitis vinifera
Site and Soil: Grapes like full to 1/2 day sun and well-drained soil. Grapes are drought resistant once they are established.
Rootstock Description: 1103P
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile.
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 10° F.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 10-12 ft. in width on fence, trellis, or other support.
Fruit Skin: Black
Bloom Time: May
Ripening Time: Late September
Yield: 10-15 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Repel birds with flash tape or cover plants with bird netting.
USDA Zone: 7-9