Tempranillo grapevines for sale

Tempranillo Grapevine | Grow, Care & Planting Guide

Tempranillo is Spain’s most important red grape variety, known for producing balanced, structured wines with moderate acidity and refined tannins. It is highly adaptable and expresses regional character clearly, ranging from fresh and fruit-driven styles to complex, oak-aged expressions with significant aging potential.

  • Originated in the Rioja region of Spain
  • Ripening Period: Early season
  • High vigor
  • High yield
Availability

Preferred Climate

Tempranillo performs best in a warm continental climate with hot days and cool nights. It benefits from well-drained soils and moderate elevation, which help preserve acidity while allowing full phenolic ripeness.

Growth Characteristics

Tempranillo produces medium to large, compact clusters with medium-sized berries and relatively thick skins. The vine exhibits moderate vigor and productivity, requiring careful canopy management to prevent excessive shading and maintain fruit quality. It buds and ripens early, making it susceptible to spring frost but well-suited to regions with shorter growing seasons. Proper crop control is essential to enhance concentration and structure.

How to Plant & Care for Tempranillo Grapevines

  • Pre-irrigate soil 24 hours before planting
  • Acclimate the grapevine to site temperature before planting
  • Remove any plastic pot before planting a green potted grapevine
  • Plant the vine so the graft union is ~6 inches above the soil line
  • Install a plant protector over the vine
  • Irrigate based on soil type and site conditions
  • View our planting guides for in-depth instructions
Green Potted Vine Planting GuideDormant Bareroot Vine Planting Guide

Wine Profile

Tempranillo wines are typically medium- to full-bodied with moderate acidity and moderate tannins. Aromatically, they display red cherry, plum, and blackberry, often complemented by notes of tobacco, leather, vanilla, and spice when oak-aged. On the palate, the wines are smooth and structured, with a balanced fruit core and a persistent, savory finish. With aging, Tempranillo develops complex secondary characteristics such as dried fruit, cedar, and earthy nuances while maintaining elegance and balance.

Clones

  • FPS 3 - Equivalent to Spanish clone 43. High vigor and yield. Large cluster size.
  • FPS 5 - Equivalent to Spanish clone 242. High vigor and yield. Large cluster size.
  • FPS 11 - Equivalent to Spanish clone 292. Moderate to high vigor and yield. Small cluster size.
  • FPS 12 - (Researching)