Best Food Pairings for Tempranillo Wine You Must Try Tempranillo Wine and Food Pairing Ideas: What Does Tempranillo Pair with for Grilled Meats, Tapas, and Bold Spanish Dishes?
After years of researching Spanish vineyards and hosting countless wine and food pairings, we’ve learned one thing: tempranillo truly shines when paired with the right dish. Here, you’ll find food pairings that go beyond the usual tapas—based on real tasting notes, chef collaborations, and flavor trials that revealed what actually works (and what doesn’t).
Top 5 Takeaways
☑️ Tempranillo is incredibly versatile.
- It pairs well with red meats, cheese, seafood, and vegetarian dishes.
☑️ Grilled red meats are a top match.
- Steak or lamb enhances the wine’s smoky, earthy notes.
☑️ Tapas pairings are classic for a reason.
- Jamón ibérico balances Tempranillo’s fruitiness.
- Chorizo and patatas bravas complement its bold tannins.
- Gambas al ajillo lifts its acidity and spice.
☑️ Surprisingly great with seafood and vegetarian dishes.
- Mussels in tomato sauce
- Grilled octopus
-
Creamy mushroom risotto
☑️ These dishes reveal Tempranillo’s unexpected depth.
- These pairings are field-tested.
- Based on real tastings, chef input, and hands-on culinary experiences—not generic advice.
Savoring It With Red Meats
It exhibits a harmonious relationship with red meats. This coupling owes its success to the robust, full-bodied nature of the wine, which complements the hearty flavor profile of red meats. The synergy between these two is particularly noticeable when the meat is prepared using specific grilling techniques.
Grilled red meats, like steak or lamb, with their charred exterior and tender interior, offer a delightful contrast to its intense, dark fruit flavours. The smoky taste imparted by grilling amplifies the wine's inherent earthy notes, creating a gastronomic experience that is both rich and satisfying.
Pairing It With Spanish Tapas
Harmony finds an embodiment in the pairing with traditional Spanish tapas. This vibrant, versatile wine, with its inherent flavors of cherry, plum, and tobacco, melds impeccably with the robust, savory flavors of Spanish cuisine.
The following three tapas dishes are particularly suited for this pairing:
- Spanish olives and Jamón ibérico
- Chorizo skewers and Patatas bravas
- Gambas al ajillo and Tortilla Española
Its robust nature, with its rich, fruity undertones and a subtle hint of spice, complements the creaminess and buttery textures of cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or even a well-aged Cheddar. This pairing is a testament to the sensory delight of matching the right wine with the right cheese.
When it comes to creamy pairings, a well-chosen Tempranillo can elevate a humble cheese platter to gastronomic heights.
Partnering It with Seafood
While many may not immediately think of pairing a full-bodied red like this with seafood, those who dare to venture into this uncharted territory are often pleasantly surprised. The robust flavor of Tempranillo harmonizes beautifully with the savory taste of sustainable seafood, creating a unique gastronomic experience that delights the senses. These include Dungeness crab, mussels with tomato sauce, and grilled octopus.
These pairings showcase its flexibility, challenging the traditional notion that seafood is best paired with white wines.
Tempranillo With Vegetarian Dishes
This masterpiece also pairs remarkably well with vegetarian cuisine, adding depth and complexity to the earthy flavors of plant-based dishes.
One such pairing is a rich and creamy Tempranillo risotto. This dish, with its robust flavors and velvety texture, provides a delightful contrast to its bright acidity and firm tannins. The wine's dark fruit notes harmonize beautifully with the risotto's savory undertones, creating a gustatory experience that is truly sublime. Grilled vegetable skewers, another vegetarian delight, also make an excellent partner.
“After tasting Tempranillo from Spain and pairing it with everything from fire-grilled lamb to garlic-laced seafood, we’ve discovered that Tempranillo’s true beauty lies in its versatility. The right pairing doesn’t just complement the wine—it transforms it.”
Supporting Facts and Statistics
After years of tasting Tempranillo in Spanish vineyards and pairing it with everything from grilled lamb to creamy risotto, the data backs up what we’ve experienced firsthand: this wine is built for the table.
1. Wine Culture in the U.S. Is Growing Fast
-
The U.S. wine industry supports 1.84 million jobs and over $95.5 billion in wages.
-
This growth gives Tempranillo more visibility and shelf space in wine shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms.
- At our own pairing events, Tempranillo is often the biggest surprise hit.
🔗 Source: wineamerica.org
2. Americans Are Drinking More Still Wine
-
In 2020, the U.S. consumed 431.6 million cases of wine.
-
Still wine consumption rose by nearly 5% from the previous year.
- We’re seeing growing curiosity for lesser-known varietals like Tempranillo — especially when paired with bold or unexpected dishes.
🔗 Source: winepros.org
3. Grapes Dominate U.S. Fruit Production
-
Wine grapes are worth over $6.5 billion annually in the U.S.
-
Tempranillo is gaining ground in regions like California, Texas, and Oregon.
- We’ve tasted American Tempranillos that shine alongside everything from barbecue brisket to mushroom risotto.
🔗 Source: wineamerica.org
Bottom line: These stats don’t just support Tempranillo’s popularity—they validate why its pairings work so well. The wine’s structure, cultural roots, and international rise all point to one thing: it belongs on your table.
Final Thoughts & Opinion: Why It Is the Ultimate Culinary Companion
After years of researching Spanish vineyards, hosting pairings, and experimenting in real kitchens, here’s what we’ve learned:
What Makes It Stand Out
- Balance – Bold enough for red meats, nuanced enough for delicate dishes
- Flexibility – Pairs well with meat, seafood, cheese, and plant-based meals
- Character – Maintains its earthy Spanish soul across pairing styles
Our Unique Perspective
We’ve tested these pairings firsthand—with chefs, sommeliers, and home cooks alike. The results?
- Skeptics turned into believers
- Traditionalists surprised by seafood and veg matches
- Casual wine lovers elevate their food game
Let it surprise you. When you stop thinking of it as just “a Spanish red” and start seeing it as a culinary companion, that’s when the real flavor journeys begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tempranillo pair well with steak?
Yes, Tempranillo pairs exceptionally well with steak. Its bold flavors and high tannin content make it a perfect match for rich, fatty meats like steak. The wine can hold up to the strong flavors of the steak and can even enhance them.
Is Tempranillo light or heavy?
Tempranillo is generally considered a heavy wine. It's full-bodied, rich, and robust, with high tannin content. This makes it more similar to Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, rather than lighter wines like Pinot Noir or Grenache.
Does Tempranillo go with chicken?
Yes, Tempranillo can complement chicken dishes quite well, especially when the chicken is prepared with robust flavors. The wine's high tannin content and full-bodied nature can stand up to strong flavors and seasonings.
Is Tempranillo good with pasta?
Tempranillo can be a good match with pasta, especially if the pasta dish includes hearty ingredients like red meat or strong cheeses. The robust flavors of the wine can balance out the richness of these dishes.
Is Tempranillo similar to Pinot Noir?
Tempranillo is not particularly similar to Pinot Noir. While both are red wines, Pinot Noir is typically lighter-bodied with more delicate flavors. Tempranillo, on the other hand, is full-bodied and robust, with flavors of plum, cherry, and leather.
Does Tempranillo go with burgers?
Yes, Tempranillo pairs very well with burgers. The wine's high tannin content and full-bodied nature can stand up to the rich, robust flavors of a well-cooked burger.
Is Tempranillo dry or sweet?
Tempranillo is typically a dry wine. It has high tannin content and is often aged in oak, which gives it a robust, full-bodied flavor profile.
Why is Tempranillo so good?
Tempranillo is so good due to its complex flavor profile and versatility. It has a rich, full-bodied taste with notes of plum, cherry, and tobacco. It pairs well with a variety of foods, making it a popular choice for many wine enthusiasts.
Is Tempranillo similar to cabernet?
Tempranillo is somewhat similar to Cabernet Sauvignon. Both wines are full-bodied and have high tannin content. However, Tempranillo often has more fruity and spicy notes, while Cabernet Sauvignon can be more herbaceous.
What does Tempranillo mean in Spanish?
In Spanish, Tempranillo means "little early one". This name refers to the fact that the grapes used to make this wine typically ripen earlier than other varieties.
Should Tempranillo be cold or warm?
Tempranillo should be served slightly below room temperature, around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the complex flavors of the wine to be fully appreciated.
What is the difference between Rioja and Tempranillo?
Rioja and Tempranillo are not the same thing, but they are closely related. Rioja is a wine region in Spain, and Tempranillo is the primary grape used in red wines from this region. Thus, a Rioja wine is often a Tempranillo, but not all Tempranillos are Riojas.
Join us for a look into our elegant approach to winemaking and gracious hospitality. We welcome our members and their guests by appointment only. Become a member or book an event by visiting CasaLoce.com
Casa Locé
Upper Ojai California
10065 N Ojai Rd, Ojai, CA 93023
https://maps.app.goo.gl/E7YQCnXAFHq1bKz46
