Ribera Del Duero grape question

In The Wine Bible, Karen MacNeil says that the primary grape in Ribera Del Duero is Tinto Fino, which, she notes, is thought to be a genetic variation of Tempranillo (2001 edition, page 429). She dosen't even mention Tempranillo as one of the primary grapes in Ribera Del Duero yet I hear often Tempranillo mentioned as the grape in wines from Ribera Del Duero. I'm confused between what I've read and what I've heard. Is there a difference or not?

According to the Geilweilerhof database Tempranillo has over 30 synonym names. I guess it all depends on where it is grown.

Salute

According to the Geilweilerhof database Tempranillo has over 30 synonym names.

That's what I'm thinking - which, of course, isn't at all uncommon in the wine world. Further, a website regarding the wines of Matarromera mentions Tinta del Pais as the primary grape type. Unfortunately, that makes things very difficult for someone like me who's trying to learn as much as I can.

I've always thought that Tinto Fino was definitely merely a variant of Tempranillo (I hesitate to use the word clone as my science is too rusty). Similar to how a local variant of Sangiovese is known as Brunello in Montalcino. Within varieties there are variants/clones, and of course there are also just different terms for the same grapes in different regions. But I think saying the primary grape in Ribera del Duero is Tempranillo or or thr primary grape in Ribera del Duero is Tinto Fino are basically saying same thing.

Maybe Victor de la Serna can expound or correct (or one of the science guys can explain variants within a variety, and exactly what a clone is)

For what it's worth, Decanter.com has a definition and as previously posted, Tinto Fino (translates into “Fine Red”), Tinta del Pais (translates into “Red of the Nation”) and a bunch of their names, are simply synonyms of Tempranillo. I quote below:

"Tempranillo (Red)
Spain's most important quality red variety, forming the backbone of Rioja and Ribera del Duero, where it's known as Tinto Fino (other synonyms include Ull de Llebre, Tinta del Pais, Tinta de Toro, Cencibel and, in Portugal, Aragonês and Tinta Roriz).

Capable of making juicy young reds as well as serious, well-structured, fine, oak-aged reds ..."

Well this has been a learning experience. I don't know how one is supposed to keep all the names straight. Thanks everyone.

If Tempranillo did indeed originate in the area today we do know as Spain, there could be literally hundreds of variants and clones in the surrounding area. Like Dale and Ramon suggested back in early (much simpler) times people named the grapes from where they came from, where they are grown, and/or by an easily identifiable characteristic or feature (red, white, small berry, large berry etc). In the case of Tempranillo if you grew it in one area of Spain and it was known for its “early picking” you would call it Tempranillo. In another area or region it might be known for its smaller berries and ability to produce a “fine red” hence Tinto Fino.

Salute

Tinto Fino is simply another name for Tempranillo.

According to p307 in Hugh Johnson's Pocket Book 2011, there are many clones and many names, but the clonal variation within each region is likely to be greater than that between regions. Specifically it states: "The ' unique' Tinto Fino of Ribera del Duero is usually ten or 12 commercial clones, mostly obtained from nurseries in Rioja".