Tinta Roriz

Tinta Roriz is one of the great workhorse grapes of the Iberian Peninsula, better known as Tempranillo in Spain and Aragonez in parts of Portugal. It has deep roots in the region and has been shaping some of Spain’s and Portugal’s most famous wines for centuries. The different names can be confusing, but they all point to the same versatile and widely loved grape.

In Spain, Tempranillo is the backbone of classics from Rioja and Ribera del Duero, while in Portugal it plays a major role in both Port and dry red wines, especially in the Douro. You’ll also find it in regions like Dão and Alentejo. The grape adapts easily to different climates and soils, which helps explain its popularity across such a broad range of styles and regions.

The name Tempranillo comes from “temprano,” meaning early, a nod to the grape’s tendency to ripen ahead of many others. The vines are vigorous and productive, with small, thick-skinned berries that give wines good color and structure. Depending on where it’s grown, the grape can lean toward elegance or power.

In the glass, Tinta Roriz typically delivers flavors of cherry, plum, and blackberry, often layered with notes of tobacco, leather, and spice from oak aging. Tannins are firm but usually well-balanced by moderate acidity, making the wines both food-friendly and capable of aging. From everyday reds to long-lived classics, Tinta Roriz proves just how flexible—and essential—this grape really is.