Teresa’s Favorite Wines
Tempranillo
The Spanish Lead Singer
Meet Teresa, the Spanish lead singer in a popular band and a sports lover. She can be quite intense, especially when she's out playing sports, but cheerful the rest of the time. She has a toned build from all that time outdoors, dresses in ruby red with orange-colored earrings, and likes spending plenty of time on her own.
In wine terms? Teresa is Tempranillo, the grape that defines Spanish red wine.Tempranillo is the most planted red grape in Spain, thriving in the country's warm, sunny climate.
Spain is Teresa's homeland, and she often visits Portugal too, where Tempranillo goes by other names but keeps the same character.
Expect a medium-to-full bodied wine with medium-high acidity and medium-high tannins. In the glass, Tempranillo runs from ruby to garnet, deepening in color as it ages. You'll pick up cherry, plum, dried fig, dill, often with leather and earthy notes in aged examples.
Tempranillo is often blended with Garnacha in the famous red Rioja, with Tempranillo as the dominant variety. Good examples can age for two decades or more.
Now let's find you some bottles she'd actually approve of.
Teresa's Top Picks
We picked bottles from Teresa's homeland and beyond. All available on Pop Up Wine Singapore and Straits Wine Singapore. Click any wine name to shop it.
1. Great value-for-money
The Hedonist : Tempranillo (Organic) 2021
McLaren Vale, Australia | $36 / bottle
Teresa says: "You don't have to be from Spain to get Tempranillo right. This McLaren Vale bottle is organic and biodynamic, all dark cherry, anise, and bay leaf with firm tannins and bright acidity. It picked up 91 points from The Real Review, and the 2020 vintage took the trophy for Best Organic Wine at the Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show. Good quality and gentle on the wallet."
Pairs with: Grilled lamb chops, chorizo, or a simple tomato pasta
2. For a taste of Spain
CVNE : Viña Real Crianza Rioja 2022
Rioja, Spain | $43 / bottle
Teresa says: "This is what my family serves on the dinner table. Red berries, vanilla, and well-integrated oak, smooth all the way through the finish. James Suckling gave this vintage 93 points. A proper taste of my home."
Pairs with: Roast chicken, grilled sausages, or a tomato-based pasta
3. For the tempranillo explorer
Corymbia : Tempranillo Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon (Organic) 2024
Swan Valley, Australia | $56 / bottle
Teresa says: "Even on the other side of the world, my grape still leads the way. 58% of this blend is me, with Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon along for the ride. Whole-berry aromas of rosewater, lilac, and dark cherry, with a smooth, lithe finish of licorice and menthol. James Suckling has scored this label as high as 92 points. I don't mind sharing the stage when the harmony is this good."
Pairs with: BBQ ribs, grilled steak, or a hearty bean stew
4. To impress at a dinner party
CVNE : Imperial Reserva Rioja 2020
Rioja, Spain | $86 / bottle
Teresa says: "Now we are getting serious. Black cherry, vanilla, and tobacco, with structured tannins built to hold their shape through a long, elegant finish. It's rated 4.2 out of 5 on Vivino, and James Suckling gave it 94 points. This is Rioja doing what Rioja does best."
Pairs with: Roast lamb, aged manchego, or a mushroom risotto
5. For a special occasion
Valenciso : Rioja Reserva 10 Años Después Edición Limitada 2015
Rioja, Spain | $99 / bottle
Teresa says: "Ten years in the cellar before release, and it shows. Deep ruby in the glass, rich red and black fruit, velvety tannins, and a long, elegant finish, all from 100% Tempranillo. Tim Atkin scored it 94 points, and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it 93. Truly more charismatic with age, just like myself."
Pairs with: Prime rib, slow-roasted lamb, or a cellar-worthy cheese board
Tempranillo Cheat Sheet
| Body | Medium to full-bodied |
| Color | Ruby to garnet, deepening with age |
| Tasting notes | Cherry, plum, dried fig, dill, often with leather and earthy notes |
| Serve at | 15–20°C |
| Best with | Grilled meats, chorizo, tomato-based dishes, aged cheeses |
| Avoid with | Delicate white fish, light salads, and very spicy dishes |
| Glass type | Universal wine glass (a wide bowl helps soften the tannins) |
Meet Teresa
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