Spain's most important quality red variety, forming the backbone of Rioja and Ribera del Duero, where it's known as Tinto Fino (other synonyms include Ull de Llebre, Tinta del Pais, Tinta de Toro, Cencibel and, in Portugal, Aragonês and Tinta Roriz).

Capable of making juicy young reds as well as serious,

well-structured, fine, oak-aged reds with vanilla, tobacco spice and strawberry

flavours, usually blended with Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano, but sometimes

made on its own. One of the major red varieties of Argentina and grown also in

Languedoc-Roussillon, California and Australia.

What does it taste like?

  • strawberry flavours
  • a veneer of vanilla and tobacco-spice

Written by

Decanter Staff
Decanter Staff
Decanter Team

Content written and compiled by the Decanter Team