Grapes Tinta Roriz / Aragonez
Grape guide · red
Tinta Roriz / Aragonez
The same grape as Spanish Tempranillo. In the Douro it is Tinta Roriz, in the Alentejo Aragonez: red fruit, body and a natural partner for oak.
Few grapes have so many names. In Spain it is Tempranillo, the basis of Rioja and Ribera del Duero. In Portugal it is called Tinta Roriz in the Douro and Aragonez in the Alentejo. Three names, one grape.
The Spanish name says something: temprano means early. It ripens earlier than many red grapes and gives wine with red fruit, body and soft tannins that work well with oak.
At a glance
- Colour
- Red
- Other names
- Aragonez (Alentejo), Tempranillo (Spain)
- In Portugal
- Douro, Alentejo, Dão
- Taste
- Cherry, plum, red fruit; vanilla and spice after oak
- Structure
- Medium to full, soft to medium tannin
Douro or Alentejo
In the Douro, Tinta Roriz usually goes into a blend with Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. It brings body and red fruit; the Tourigas bring perfume and structure.
In the warmer Alentejo it is called Aragonez and ripens riper and rounder, often alongside Trincadeira, which adds spice and freshness.
What to eat with it
A round Aragonez or Tinta Roriz suits grilled meat, lamb and cheese. The soft tannin makes it a good barbecue wine.
Read on
Our wines with Tinta Roriz / Aragonez
Monte dos Perdigões Tinto
Soft, rounded and assured. No bombastic tannins.
Three grapes vinified separately, then slowly matured in stainless steel and French oak. Deep red with a violet hue, ripe forest fruit, remarkably soft and round. For grilled meat, game or firm cheese.
Availability to be confirmed
Eirados Reserva 2023
Two thousand years of wine country. And a little Varna in it.
From the Eirados Varna vineyard: Varna's first own red label, made by Alzira Castro-de Carvalho. Floral aromas, full ripe fruit and silky tannins. A glass worth lingering over.
Availability to be confirmed
Frequently asked questions
Is Aragonez the same as Tempranillo?
Yes. Aragonez is the name in the Alentejo, Tinta Roriz in the Douro and Tempranillo in Spain. It is the same grape.
What does Tinta Roriz taste like?
Red fruit such as cherry and plum, with body and soft tannins. Oak ageing adds vanilla and spice.