Grapevines Tempranillo

Name of the variety

Tempranillo

Origin

Tempranillo is originally from Spain (Rioja). Based on published genetic analyses, it would be the result of a crossbreeding between Albillo Mayor and Benedicto.

Synonyms

In the European Union, Tempranillo is officially called by other names: Aragonez (Portugal), Tinta roris (Cyprus) and Tinto tempranillo (Cyprus). These synonyms are officially recognized in France regarding plant propagation material.

Legal information

This variety is also listed in the catalogues of other Member States of the European Union: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain.

Use

Wine grape variety.

Phenology

Bud burst: 7 days after Chasselas.
Grape maturity: mid-season, 2 weeks after Chasselas.

Suitability for cultivation and agronomic production

This variety is rather rustic and vigorous. It is well adapted to southern conditions but its branches are brittle and it is sensitive to the wind. Its early nature makes it possible to widen its growing areas (cooler climatic zones) and to harvest it before equinox rains. It is sufficiently fertile to be pruned short, but sometimes Tempranillo can show a certain alternation.

Susceptibility to diseases and pests

Tempranillo is not very sensitive to grey rot. It is especially susceptible to eutypa dieback and vine leafhoppers.

Technological potentiality

The bunches are large (elongated) and the berries medium in size. In favorable terroirs, Tempranillo produces very pleasant, nicely colored and full-bodied quality wines but that are lacking acidity in hot zones. The quality and the alcohol degree drop quickly when the yields become excessive.

Clonal selection

The three certified Tempranillo clones carry the numbers RJ-51, RJ-79