Tempranillo has been grown on the Iberian Peninsula since the time of Phoenician settlements which date back to 500BC. An early ripening variety its name is the diminutive of the Spanish temprano (early). 

It thrives on chalky soils and is found predominantly in the Spanish regions of Ribera del Duero and Rioja. In Portugal it is known as Tinto Roriz. When vinified alone it has flavours of strawberries and plums.

Castilla y Leon, located in the northwest of Spain, is one of the nation’s most important winemaking regions. There are nine denominacions de origen (DOs) located in Castilla y Leon, including Rueda, Toro and Ribera del Duero.

Viticulture has been an important part of the local economy for nearly 2,000 years, with wine production in the region even pre-dating the arrival of the Romans.