tinto

Tinto is a term used in Spanish-speaking contexts to denote red wine and, more broadly, the color red. In everyday language, wines described as red are commonly referred to as “vino tinto” or simply “tinto.” The word tinto comes from tinta, meaning dye, reflecting the red color associated with the wine.

In Spain and much of Latin America, “tinto” commonly refers to red wine, with “vino tinto” serving as the formal label. In Spain, there are specific terms such as “tinto joven” for a young red and aging designations like crianza, reserva, and gran reserva. In Argentina and Chile, the term is also widely used to distinguish red wine from white wine or rosé.

A popular Spanish preparation is the tinto de verano, a simple mixture of red wine and soda or lemonade, typically served over ice. It is especially common in summer and varies by region and personal taste.

Red wines labeled as “tinto” span a broad range of styles, from light, fruity joven to more mature, oak-aged crianzas and reservas. Serving temperatures for tinto wines generally fall in the cooler end of room temperature, roughly 14–18°C, depending on style and vintage. Across cuisines, tinto pairs with a wide variety of foods, notably meats, stews, and aged cheeses, reflecting its cultural prominence in many Spanish-speaking regions.