Cinder Tempranillo – Washington's Bold Spanish Heritage in Every Bottle

Updated → August 2025

Discover how Cinder Wines transforms Spanish Tempranillo grapes in Washington State, creating bold, food-friendly wines that bridge Old World tradition with New World innovation through sustainable farming and meticulous winemaking.

The Tempranillo Revolution in Washington

The story of Cinder Tempranillo begins with a revolutionary idea: bringing Spain's noble grape variety to the volcanic soils of Washington State. While Tempranillo has been Spain's flagship red grape for centuries, particularly in regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero, its journey to the Pacific Northwest represents a bold new chapter in American winemaking.

Washington State's unique terroir, characterized by long summer days, cool nights, and ancient volcanic soils, creates ideal conditions for Tempranillo cultivation. The dramatic diurnal temperature variations help preserve the grape's natural acidity while developing complex flavor profiles that rival those of its Spanish counterparts. Cinder Tempranillo exemplifies this perfect marriage of Old World tradition and New World innovation.

The Cinder Wines Story

Cinder Wines emerged from a passion for showcasing Washington's diverse terroir through thoughtfully crafted wines. The winery's name pays homage to the volcanic cinder cones that dot the Snake River Valley landscape, reflecting the unique geological history that shapes their wines' character. Founded with a commitment to sustainable farming and minimal intervention winemaking, Cinder has become synonymous with authentic, terroir-driven wines that express the true nature of their vineyard sites.

The winery's approach to Cinder Tempranillo reflects their philosophy of respecting both the grape's heritage and its new home. By working with carefully selected vineyard sites and employing traditional winemaking techniques adapted to modern sensibilities, they create wines that honor Tempranillo's Spanish roots while celebrating Washington's unique growing conditions.

Vineyard Magic: Where Spanish Meets Pacific Northwest

The vineyards producing grapes for Cinder Tempranillo benefit from Washington's distinctive combination of factors that create world-class wines. The state's position in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains ensures dry growing conditions with controlled irrigation, allowing precise management of vine stress and grape development.

The volcanic soils, rich in minerals and well-draining, provide the perfect foundation for Tempranillo vines. These soils, combined with the region's extreme temperature swings between day and night, create grapes with concentrated flavors, balanced acidity, and the structural integrity needed for both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging. The result is a wine that captures the essence of its terroir while maintaining the varietal characteristics that make Tempranillo so beloved worldwide.

Tasting Profile: What Makes Cinder Special

Cinder Tempranillo presents a captivating sensory experience that begins with its deep ruby color, hinting at the complexity within. On the nose, expect an enticing bouquet of dark cherries, blackberries, and plums, interwoven with subtle notes of leather, tobacco, and vanilla from careful oak aging. The volcanic terroir adds a distinctive mineral undertone that sets Washington Tempranillo apart from its Spanish cousins.

On the palate, the wine reveals layers of flavor that unfold gradually. The initial burst of ripe fruit gives way to savory elements like dried herbs, black pepper, and earthy mushroom notes. The tannins are well-integrated, providing structure without overwhelming the fruit. A bright acidity keeps the wine fresh and food-friendly, while the finish lingers with hints of cocoa and spice that invite another sip.

Winemaking Philosophy and Techniques

The creation of Cinder Tempranillo involves a careful balance of traditional techniques and modern precision. The winemaking team employs hand-harvesting to ensure only the best grapes make it to the winery, followed by gentle destemming and crushing to preserve fruit integrity. Fermentation typically occurs in small lots, allowing for individual attention to each parcel of fruit.

The aging regimen for Cinder Tempranillo respects the variety's affinity for oak while avoiding over-extraction. A combination of new and neutral oak barrels, often including some American oak as a nod to Spanish tradition, adds complexity without masking the fruit. Extended maceration and careful pump-overs extract color and tannins while maintaining elegance and balance.

Perfect Food Pairings

The versatility of Cinder Tempranillo at the dinner table makes it a sommelier's dream. Its balanced structure and moderate tannins complement a wide range of cuisines, from traditional Spanish tapas to modern American fare. The wine's natural acidity cuts through rich, fatty dishes while its fruit-forward character stands up to bold flavors.

Classic pairings include grilled lamb chops with rosemary, beef tenderloin with mushroom sauce, and aged Manchego cheese. For a regional twist, try it with elk or venison from the Wyoming mountains, where the wine's earthy notes complement the game's rich flavors. Vegetarian options like grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted red pepper dishes also work beautifully, as the wine's savory elements enhance the umami flavors.

Serving Tips and Temperature Guide

To fully appreciate Cinder Tempranillo, proper serving temperature is crucial. Aim for 60-65°F (15-18°C), slightly cooler than room temperature. This range allows the wine's aromatics to open while maintaining the freshness that makes it so appealing. If the wine is too warm, the alcohol can dominate; too cold, and the flavors remain muted.

Decanting young vintages of Cinder Tempranillo for 30-45 minutes before serving helps soften the tannins and allows the wine to express its full aromatic potential. Use large-bowled glasses that allow plenty of room for swirling, concentrating the wine's complex bouquet. For older vintages, be more cautious with decanting, as extended air exposure can cause delicate aged characteristics to dissipate quickly.

Aging Potential and Cellaring

One of the exciting aspects of Cinder Tempranillo is its impressive aging potential. While delicious upon release, these wines can evolve beautifully over 8-12 years when properly stored. The combination of balanced tannins, bright acidity, and concentrated fruit provides the structural backbone necessary for graceful aging.

As the wine matures, primary fruit flavors evolve into more complex secondary and tertiary characteristics. Fresh berry notes transform into dried fruit and leather, while new layers of tobacco, cedar, and earthy mushroom emerge. For optimal aging, store bottles horizontally in a cool (55-58°F), humid (60-70%) environment away from light and vibration. The patience required for aging Cinder Tempranillo rewards collectors with wines of remarkable depth and complexity.

How Cinder Compares to Spanish Tempranillo

While Cinder Tempranillo shares DNA with its Spanish ancestors, Washington's unique terroir creates distinct differences worth exploring. Spanish Tempranillos from Rioja often emphasize elegance and oak influence, with pronounced vanilla and dill notes from extended barrel aging. Ribera del Duero examples tend toward power and concentration, with darker fruit profiles and firm tannins.

Washington Tempranillo, as exemplified by Cinder Tempranillo, strikes a middle ground. The fruit tends to be riper and more forward than traditional Rioja, yet maintains better acidity than many New World interpretations. The volcanic soils add a mineral dimension rarely found in Spanish versions, while the winemaking approach emphasizes fruit purity over heavy oak influence. This creates wines that are immediately approachable yet complex enough to satisfy serious wine enthusiasts.

Sustainable Practices and Environmental Commitment

Cinder Wines' commitment to sustainability extends beyond buzzwords to concrete practices that protect the environment while producing exceptional wines. The vineyards supplying grapes for Cinder Tempranillo employ sustainable farming techniques including cover crops, integrated pest management, and water conservation through precision irrigation.

In the winery, energy-efficient equipment and waste reduction programs minimize environmental impact. The use of lighter-weight bottles reduces carbon emissions during shipping, while cork closures support renewable forestry practices. By choosing Cinder Tempranillo, consumers support a winery dedicated to preserving the land for future generations while crafting wines that express their origins authentically.

Awards and Recognition

The quality of Cinder Tempranillo has not gone unnoticed by critics and competitions. The wine regularly earns high scores from respected publications and medals at prestigious wine competitions. These accolades reflect not just the wine's quality but also its representation of Washington's emerging status as a premium Tempranillo producer.

Beyond formal recognition, Cinder Tempranillo has developed a devoted following among sommeliers and wine enthusiasts who appreciate its combination of quality, character, and value. Restaurant wine lists across the country feature it as an alternative to more expensive Spanish imports, introducing diners to the possibilities of American Tempranillo.

Buying Guide and Value Proposition

When considering Cinder Tempranillo for your wine collection or dinner table, understanding its value proposition helps make informed decisions. The wine offers exceptional quality at a price point that undercuts comparable Spanish imports while delivering equal or greater complexity. This makes it an excellent choice for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.

Look for recent vintages for immediate consumption, as they showcase vibrant fruit and approachable tannins. For cellaring, seek out vintages from exceptional years when weather conditions produced more concentrated, structured wines. Consider purchasing multiple bottles to track the wine's evolution over time, comparing how it develops in the bottle versus enjoying it young. Cinder Tempranillo represents smart buying for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.

Creative Uses: Tempranillo in Cocktails

While purists might balk at using Cinder Tempranillo in cocktails, the wine's fruit-forward character and balanced structure make it an excellent base for wine-based mixed drinks. Spanish-inspired sangria benefits from Tempranillo's natural affinity for citrus and stone fruits, while its moderate tannins prevent the drink from becoming overly astringent.

For a sophisticated twist, try a Tempranillo spritzer with elderflower liqueur and a splash of soda water, garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. During colder months, mulled Cinder Tempranillo with warming spices creates a comforting beverage that showcases the wine's versatility beyond traditional serving methods.

Wine Education: Understanding Tempranillo

To fully appreciate Cinder Tempranillo, understanding the grape variety's characteristics helps decode what makes each bottle special. Tempranillo, whose name derives from the Spanish word "temprano" (early), referring to its early ripening nature, ranks among the world's noble grape varieties. Its thick skin provides color and tannin, while naturally high acidity ensures longevity and food compatibility.

The grape's adaptability to different climates and soils explains its success beyond Spain. In cooler regions, it develops elegant, perfumed wines with red fruit characteristics. Warmer areas produce fuller-bodied expressions with darker fruit profiles. Cinder Tempranillo benefits from Washington's unique position between these extremes, capturing both elegance and power in harmonious balance.

Local Availability in Jackson Hole

For wine enthusiasts in the Jackson Hole area, Cinder Tempranillo is conveniently available at The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole. This local establishment has curated an impressive selection of wines that includes this Washington State gem, recognizing its appeal to both tourists seeking quality American wines and locals looking for excellent value in their everyday drinking.

The knowledgeable staff at The Liquor Store can guide customers through vintage variations and suggest complementary wines for those interested in exploring more of Cinder's portfolio or other American Tempranillos. Their commitment to showcasing exceptional wines from across the country makes them the ideal destination for discovering how Cinder Tempranillo fits into the broader landscape of premium American winemaking.