Tempranillo, Spain’s noble red grape, continues to prove its versatility and global appeal. Known for its balance of fruit, acidity, and savory complexity, the varietal can range from bright and youthful to structured and age-worthy. At the 2025 San Francisco International Wine Competition, this dynamic range was on full display, with one wine claiming the top honor and two finalists demonstrating the grape’s impressive breadth.

Taking the title of Best Tempranillo is Jeff Runquist Wines’ 2023 Tempranillo, a wine that stood out for its vibrant fruit and precision. From the moment it was tasted, the wine impressed with its rich color and aromatic lift. On the palate, it delivers expressive strawberry and plum notes framed by a lean structure and lively acidity. The fruit is tart and playful, yet beautifully balanced, creating a Tempranillo that feels energetic and polished all at once.

The judges were particularly drawn to its clarity and focus. Rather than relying on heaviness, this Tempranillo leans into freshness and structure, allowing its bright fruit and balanced acidity to shine. The result is a wine that is both approachable and refined — a standout in a competitive field.

The Duchman Family Winery 2023 Tempranillo earned finalist recognition for its layered aromatics and seamless integration. Opening with red fruit on the nose, the wine transitions smoothly into a well-integrated mid-palate supported by a clean, medium-long finish. Notes of dried fig and red currant are complemented by subtle hints of vanilla and spice, adding warmth and complexity. 

This Tempranillo balances fruit expression with gentle oak influence, resulting in a wine that feels both structured and easy to enjoy — a polished example of modern Tempranillo winemaking.

Also earning finalist honors is Dominio de Montelahorra’s 2021 Valezar Tempranillo, a wine that embraces the grape’s classic roots. Concentrated fruit character leads the way, supported by powdery tannins that give the wine texture and depth. The lingering finish reinforces its structure and sense of tradition, offering a more classic interpretation of the varietal.

This product exemplifies the timeless appeal of Tempranillo — a wine defined by structure, balance, and enduring fruit presence.

The Tempranillo category in the 2025 SFIWC highlights the grape’s remarkable adaptability. From the bright, playful freshness of the winning wine to the layered integration of Duchman Family Winery and the classic structure of Dominio de Montelahorra, the competition showcased Tempranillo’s wide stylistic range. The 2025 San Francisco International Wine Competition once again affirmed that whether crafted in a fruit-forward New World style or a more traditional expression, Tempranillo remains one of the world’s most compelling and versatile red varietals.