Mount Majura, from the emerging wine region of the Canberra District, considers Tempranillo as their flagship variety. With a dense core of dry savoury tannin, interwoven with fleshy cherry and blueberry fruit, and embroidered with a host of aromas, from sweet spices and pomegranate, to malt and leather.

The blend here is 85% Tempranillo, 6% Garnacha and 9% Graciano. This wonderfully complex wine has aromas of blackberries, raspberries and notes of smoke, minerals and herbs. The tannins are firm, slightly austere and yet ripe, balancing expressive fruit concentration on the palate and leading to a long refined finish.

It definitely pays not to believe every cliché that you hear, although there is more than a bit of truth to some. This is especially the case with the truism that is 'Spanish lover'. Quite obvious is the love and devotion paid to the vineyards in Ribera del Deuro by José Moro, resulting in this truly exotic and flavoursome red wine. A 100% Tempranillo that was created with expertise and dedication, the result of which is an intense and full-bodied wine that contains flavours of chocolate and raspberry along with a hint of vanillin oak.

Marqués De Riscal Tempranillo displays dark cherry, with violet hues. Beautifully fresh nose of black forest fruit, liquorice and toasted nuances brought on by the oak casks. Good balance between fruit and ok on the palate, medium bodied with lovely soft tannins.

Marqués de Riscal began with a dream back in 1858 and over 150 years later, the Bodega decided to commemorate the 150th Anniversary with a Gran Reserva Rioja that befitted the history and standing of such great wines. The result it this outstanding Tempranillo blend from the 2001 vintage, a truly special vintage in the Rioja region. Dark cherry in colour with complex aromas of balsamic, charred wood and layers of spices. The palate follows with a viscous mouthfeel with a good concentration of tannins and acid structure. A truly remarkable Rioja that pays a great tribute.

Iconic Tempranillo producers, Bodegas Roda, have excelled yet again here with the Roda I. Beginning quite linear on the palate, it opens up dramatically with some delicate spice and nuttyness. It will take time to flesh out completely but it will be worth the wait.

Spanish big guns, Remírez de Ganuza have produced a quite sublime old vine Tempranillo blend from the famed Rioja region that will defy all expectations. A luscious aroma of asian spicies and black fruits greet the nose before unfurling into flavours of dark berry fruit, cigar box, mushroom and blood plum. Brilliantly structured with life in front of it that will stretch with ease to 2025. If you're looking for a taste of Spanish royalty, start here.

There are minuscule volumes produced of the Cirsion by Bodegas Roda (the name of the thistle which is Roda's logo) which is made from grapes specially selected for the suppleness of the tannins they deliver. Parcels selected are from low-yielding older Tempranillo vines of 45 years and more, from four vineyards. Choosing the plants with the softest tannins, this makes the wine very attractive and supple early on, but it still has great ageing potential.

Pesquera is one of the legendary Estates of Spain. It was under this label that Alejandro Fernández made the 100% Tempranillo wines that first launched the Ribera del Duero region on to the world stage. He established Pesquera in 1972 and the resulting critical acclaim was instrumental in the Ribera de Duero receiving official D.O. status in 1982. 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo). Aged for 30 months in oak barrels and then 12 months in the bottle. A fabulous Reserva with intense aromatics of ripe plum, wood spice and leather.