This variety of grape is cultivated primarily in the Iberian Peninsula.  It can be found in the majority of the Protected Denominations of Origin and other wine producing regions. The varietal holds multiple names including Cencibel, Tinta Fina, Ull of Llebre, Tinta de Toro o Tinta del País, in Spain; and in Portugal, Tinta Roriz and Aragonez.

Also, the Tempranillo grape is cultivated in Argentina, Australia, Chile, United States, France, Greece, Italy, Moroccan, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Uruguay.  It is said that Tempranillo originated in Burgundy, France since it shares similar qualities of the Pinot Noir varietal. It is believed that many centuries ago, during the Cistercian monks’ pilgrimage to Santiago, the monks brought along Pinot Noir cuttings and left them behind at monasteries. However, recent genetic studies have disproved this historical belief.