Comparison
Tannat vs Tempranillo — What's the Difference?
Tannat and tempranillo occupy adjacent territory in the same category — they share a base lineage but diverge on fermentation character, bitterness, body, or ABV. This page puts the data side by side so you can see exactly where they differ on flavour profile, strength, and typical serve.
Option A
Tannat
13–15% ABVFull bodyRed
Black FruitSpicyFull Bodied
Option B
Tempranillo
12–14.5% ABVMedium-Full bodyRed
Red FruitOakTannic
Quick verdict
Tannat is Full-bodied; Tempranillo is Medium-Full-bodied.
Tannat vs Tempranillo — at a glance
| Detail | Tannat | Tempranillo |
|---|---|---|
| Drink type | Wine | Wine |
| ABV range | 13–15% ABV | 12–14.5% ABV |
| Body | Full | Medium-Full |
| Color | Red | Red |
| Sweetness | Dry | Medium |
| Acidity | Medium | Medium-low |
| Flavors | Black Fruit, Spicy, Full Bodied, Tannic | Red Fruit, Oak, Tannic, Vanilla |
| Food pairings | Charcuterie, Cheese Board, Roast Meat | Charcuterie, Cheese, Cheese Board |
| Production method | Red wine made from Tannat grapes, fermented on skins for very high tannin and deep colour; ageing and oxygen management soften structure. | Red wine made from Tempranillo grapes, fermented on skins and often aged in oak, especially in Rioja and Ribera del Duero styles. |
— = data not available for this style.
Character difference
→ Tannat
Tannat is a classic red wine with balanced fruit, acidity, and tannins, suitable for a wide range of meals.
Black FruitSpicyFull BodiedTannic
First option→ Tempranillo
A medium-bodied red wine with high acidity and flavors of red fruit, leather, and tobacco.
Red FruitOakTannicVanilla
Second optionWhen to choose each
→ Tannat
- Reach for Tannat when you want something stronger and spirit-adjacent
→ Tempranillo
- Reach for Tempranillo when you want something stronger and spirit-adjacent
Food pairings
Tannat
- Charcuterie
- Cheese Board
- Roast Meat
- Steak
Tempranillo
- Charcuterie
- Cheese
- Cheese Board
- Tapas
- Lamb
Methodology
Frequently asked questions
- What is tannat?
- Tannat is a wine style with a specific set of flavor characteristics, production conventions, and typical ABV range. The profile card on this page summarises its key attributes from WhatDrink data.
- What is tempranillo?
- Tempranillo is a distinct wine style. The comparison on this page shows how it differs from tannat on flavor, body, bitterness, and other sensory dimensions.
- What is the main difference between tannat and tempranillo?
- The comparison table above highlights the most meaningful differences — flavor direction, body, typical ABV, and food pairing fit. The two styles may overlap in some areas while differing significantly in others.
- What does tannat taste like?
- Tannat has a characteristic flavor profile shaped by its ingredients and production method. The sensory profile bars on this page show its relative sweetness, bitterness, body, and other dimensions from WhatDrink data.
- When should I choose tannat over tempranillo?
- The "When to choose" section above gives a side-by-side guide based on occasion, flavor preference, and food pairing. Neither style is universally better — it depends on context and personal taste.
- Which is stronger — tannat or tempranillo?
- Typical ABV ranges for both styles are shown in the comparison table. Strength varies between producers, so always check the specific product you are pouring.
- What foods pair with tannat and tempranillo?
- Food pairing suggestions for both styles are drawn from WhatDrink data and shown in the comparison section. The two styles may overlap on some pairings while suiting different foods in other cases.