Each year on the second Thursday in November, International Tempranillo Day celebrates the Tempranillo. This black grape is native to Spain and used to make full-bodied red wines.

Tempranillo comes from the Spanish word, Temprano, which means early. This is in reference to the fact that the Tempranillo grape ripens earlier than most grapes in Spain. Tempranillo is known as Spain’s noble grape. Though native to the Iberian Peninsula, this grape is planted throughout wine regions around the world. As of 2018 Tempranillo is the third most widely planted grape. Besides Spain and Portugal, other countries that grow the grape include the United States, Mexico, Italy, Argentina, Turkey, and Thailand.

Here are some more fun facts about the Tempranillo:

• Their vines are easy to identify because they have jagged leaves that turn bright red in the fall.
• The grape is called Aragonez in Portugal and plays a major role in Portuguese wine production.
• Other Spanish names for the grape include Tinto Fino, Tinto del Pais, and Cencibel.
• Wines made from this grape have cherry, plum, and dried fig aromas and flavors.

Those who drink wine made from Tempranillo will be glad to know it is food-friendly. The wine pairs especially well with meats cooked on the grill, as well as tacos, burritos, and other foods with a tomato base.

INTERNATIONAL TEMPRANILLO DAY HISTORY

The Tempranillo Advocates Producers and Amigos Society (TAPAS) created this day in 2011. Their goal was to simply celebrate the Tempranillo grape. The day also provides an opportunity for people to discover Tempranillo wine for the first time ever. Since restaurants and bottle shops are too busy over the weekend, TAPAS chose Thursday so that these businesses would have time to celebrate the day.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalTempranilloDay

The best way to observe this day is to have a glass of wine made from Tempranillo. You could also attend a wine-tasting event or a sip and paint party in your community. Another way to participate is to invite your friends over for dinner and wine. You could also learn about the history of winemaking or start your own wine club. Those who celebrate this day might also be interested in International Grenache Day.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, be sure to spread awareness on social media with #InternationalTempranilloDay.