The fruity flavors of Sangiovese vs Tempranillo wine grapes make these among the most popular varieties on the market. Most wine drinkers don’t know the major wine producers, wine regions, and other details of these wine varieties. Keep reading to find out about the rich flavors of each wine.
Sangiovese vs Tempranillo Flavor Profile
The Sangiovese grape is a red grape variety that is very popular in Italy. The fruit flavors in this wine include darker fruit notes like dark plum. The key flavours also include secondary notes like hunts of leather. The major regions that produce this wine grape include the Italian regions of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. If you’ve ever enjoyed red Tuscan wines, you’ve probably enjoyed Sangiovese wine (the primary grape in many Tuscan red wines). Italian immigrants have introduced this wine to many countries since the 19th century.
The grape variety is uncommon outside Italy, but some producers in late 20th century Australia have started to grow the grape in Victoria. You can also find Sangiovese in Australia’s Barossa Valley, like the Penfolds Cellar Reserve Sangiovese.
In contrast, the Tempranillo grape variety is a red popular in Spanish wine regions. Tempranillo is one of the most popular red wine grapes in Spain and Portugal. The grape word “Tempranillo” translates as “little early one” because the wine grape variety tends to ripen earlier than other red wine grapes. These Spanish grapes have typical flavours like hints of leather and red fruit flavors.
In Spain, Tempranillo is sometimes known by other names such as Tinta Fina, Tinto Fino, Tinta de Toro, and Tinto Del Toro (in central Spain). In Portugal, you might find this wine called Tinta Roriz. This wine variety has been popular in Spain for centuries partly because it is an indigenous grape variety.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Finding the right food pairing idea for each wine grape variety is simple. Both of these wines pair well with several dishes. So pick up a Tuscan wine or a bottle from Tinto Aragon and take these food pairings for a spin.
Sangiovese Wine And Food
tomato-based dishes are a classic combination with this wine. It is a classic pairing because the lively acidity in this wine pairs well with the acid content in tomato dishes (including many types of pizza). In addition, Mexican food tends to pair well with a glass of Sangiovese.
Food Pairing Tips For Tempranillo
The ideal food pairing combinations for Tempranillo include grilled meats (including burgers), lasagna, grits, tacos, nachos, and dishes that feature tomatoes. Fundamentally, Tempranillo and Sangiovese both pair with the same types of food.
There are some distinctions, though. Tempranillo is known for its cherry flavors (including black cherry) and leather notes. A bottle of wine from Spain or Portugal is likely to have earthier hints, while the same wine grape grown in South America is likely to be sweeter.
Traditional wine wisdom tells us neither of these wines pairs well with spicy dishes. Better red wines pair well with spicy food, including Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Do You Prefer Fish And Salads With Your Wine?
Lighter foods like salads, white meats, and fish dishes tend to pair better with white wines. Discover lesser-known white wines like late harvest Sauvignon Blanc and what cheese goes with Riesling. A white grape variety like Riesling is the perfect choice to enjoy on a warm day. Mouth-watering acidity in a wine is perfect on a hot day!
How Do Different Wine Regions Make These Wines?
The production of wines, even with industrial producers, varies considerably by location. Many people consider a warmer climate the perfect climate for red wine grapes because it emphasizes the fruit flavors. On the other hand, a cool climate can yield leather and earthier notes, making the wines quite appealing. Most Sangiovese and Tempranillo grape plantings take place in warmer climates. As a result, climate differences are less significant for these wines.
In Spain, several regions of note produce Tempranillo wine (also known as Tinto Del Pais). Ribero Del Duero, located in northern Spain, is known for the high quality of its red wines made from Tempranillo. The Ribera del Duero wine region, located in north central Spain, also produces Tempranillo (known by the regional name Tinto Fino). The Ribera del Duero region is also known for its dry climates – the region’s climate is often described as continental or Mediterranean.
Discover More About Italian And Spanish Wines
Travel By Glass has traditionally focused on French wines. Yet, I’ve long appreciated Italian wines, including Pinot Nero (i.e., the Italian version of the Pinot Noir grape). Spanish wines and terms are less familiar. In the future, I may further explore Tinto Roriz, Tinto aragonez, Tinta Santiago, and Tinto de Madrid in a future post.
Sangiovese vs Tempranillo Wine Comparison Conclusion
These two famous red wines are widely produced in Spain and Italy. If you are used to the well-known French varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, branch out and try something new. A bottle of Sangiovese wine from Tuscany and pizza. Another option is to open your bottle of Tempranillo and enjoy some Mexican food.
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