Aragonez

Aragonez is one of Portugal’s main red wine grape types. Aragonez is referred to as Tempranillo in Spain and can also be referred to Tinta Roriz. In Portugal, it is used to create red wines that are typically blended with Grenache and Carinena varieties. The black grape comes from the Spanish word, temprano, meaning early, which refers to the fact that the variety ripens earlier than most red grapes in Spain. Aragonez was grown in the 20^th century to create jug wines in California and has been planted in the United States, South Africa, Turkey, Canada, Australia, and Argentina. Aragonez grows well at high altitudes and produces deep ruby colored wines that are aromatic with berry, tobacco, vanilla, plum, herbal, and leather notes. The grape variety was thought to be directly related to Pinot Noir and it was thought that Cistercian monks left cuttings of Pinot Noir at monasteries as they made a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. However, there is no proof that the variety is related to Pinot Noir. Aragonez grapes need to be grown in cool regions to produce a less acidic wine, however, to create sweet wines that are high in sugar, heat is required. The wine pairs well with steak, a bacon burgers, crab, pork, and pizza with red peppers. Aragonez also pairs well with red meat or haddock.