Collection: Spain

Spanish Wine Collection – Tempranillo from Rioja & Ribera del Duero

Explore Spain’s Legendary Tempranillo 

Discover Spain’s Legendary Tempranillo is the most well-known grape from Spain, and the star player in the regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero. And thanks to its combination of red fruit, light oak spiciness and ability to age it has become one of the greatest red wines in the world.

At In The Cru, we offer you carefully chosen bottles from Spain’s most celebrated regions every one of them made to showcase the depth, personality, and allure of the Tempranillo grape.

Rioja: The Classic Heart of Tempranillo

There are three sub-areas of Rioja, and each has its own influence on Tempranillo wine:

Rioja Alta – The elegance & the longevity

• Region: Higher elevation, cooler climat (in western Rioja).
• Tastes: cherry, strawberry, touch of oak spice, mellowed tannins.
• Best for: Reserva and Gran Reserva bottles that age particularly well.

Rioja Alavesa – Fresh & Structured

• Region: Northern Rioja, in the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains.
• Tastes: raspberry, red currant, floral notes, bright acidity.
• Best for: fresh, zingy wines to drink young or keep for years.

Rioja Oriental – Rich & Bold

• Region: Eastern Rioja, warmer with Mediterranean influence.
• Tastes: plum, blackberry, full body, more alcohol.
• Best for: bold, fruit-forward wines that bring dimension to blends.

Quick Guide:

• Rioja Alta = elegance & ageability.
• Alavesa Rioja = freshness & aroma.
• Rioja Oriental = Drive and Ripe Fruit.

Ribera del Duero- Power and Depth

Rioja is all about finesse, Ribera del Duero is about strength. Here, Tempranillo (locally called Tinto Fino) shows a darker, more powerful side:

• Black cherry, plum and blackberry flavours.
• firm tannins and full bodied intensity.
• Wines for aging and for structured pairings.

Understanding Spanish Wine Terms

1. What does Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva stand for?

• Crianza- 2 years (6+ month in oak).
  
• Reserva – 3 years (1+ year in oak).
  
• Gran Reserva – Aged 5 years (18-36 months in oak).

2. How does Cava differ from Champagne or Prosecco?

• Cava → Made in Spain using the traditional method (same as Champagne). Typically crafted from native grapes such as Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. Style: dry, mineral-driven, with more complexity than Prosecco.
  
• Champagne → Produced in France, also by the traditional method, using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Known for finesse, complexity, and long aging potential.
  
• Prosecco → Produced in Italy, mainly from the Glera grape, using the Charmat (tank) method. Style: lighter, fruitier, and more affordable, but less complex.

3. Are there any areas outside Rioja worth investigating?

• Ribera del Duero → muscular Tempranillo.
  
• Priorat → bold Garnacha blends.
  
• Rías Baixas → fresh aromatic Albariño whites .
  
• Toro → Intense, full-bodied Tempranillo (Tinta de Toro), offering richness and excellent value.
  
• Ribeira Sacra → Elegant, cooler-climate wines based on Mencía, showing freshness, red fruit, and mineral-driven character.

Why Select Spanish Wines from In The Cru?

• Sourced absolutely direct from the finest Rioja and Ribera estates.
• Curated collection of classics Reserva & Gran Reserva.
• Genuine tasting notes and expert curation.
• Travel well and is universally trusted by sommeliers and wine lovers around the world.

FAQs About Spanish Wines

Q1: What makes Tempranillo special?

What’s unusual about the wine is how it walks a line between freshness, fruit and aged— conveying both gracefulness (à la Pinot Noir) and structure (à la Cabernet Sauvignon).

Q2: What are the longest lasting Spanish wines?

Rioja Gran Reservas and Ribera del Duero reds can age well for 15 to 20 years or longer.

Q3: What should I eat with Tempranillo?

Roast lamb, grilled chorizo, tapas with jamón ibérico, charcuterie and Manchego or similarly aged cheeses.

Q4: Is Rioja better than Ribera?

It’s a matter of taste — Rioja is restrained and elegant, Ribera is robust and intense.

Q5: Are Spanish wines a good value?

Yes! They frequently feature excellent quality at a fraction the cost of French or Italian wines.

Shop Spain’s Finest Wines Today

From the polished grace of Marques de Caceres Rioja Reservas to the robust backbone of Ribera del Duero Tempranillo, Spain has a wine for any enthusiast. 

At In The Cru, we personally select wines with genuine regional character so  you can adopt bottles that are truly Spanish and unparalleled quality.