Tempranillo (also known as Tinta Roiz in Portugal and Cencibel) got its name from the Spanish word “temprano” meaning early.  Tempranillo, is a fairly neutral blue grape that thrives in heat and chalky soils.  It absorbs potassium easily which can affect the pH and malic acid.  The Ribera del Duero region has been producing wine for at least 2000 years and it appears that Tempranillo originated there as the grape prefers high altitude.  In cool or diurnal temperatures, the grape has higher acidity.   In warmer climates it has thicker skins and higher brix.  The color of the wine is ruby red, with low acidity, medium tannin, low alcohol, with flavors of berries, plum, tobacco, tomato leaf and fig.