Spain, a country known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, is also home to a diverse and thriving wine industry. With its wide range of climates and diverse terroirs, Spain produces a vast array of wines that are celebrated both domestically and internationally. In this beginners guide, you can join me on a journey through the fascinating world of Spanish wines, exploring some of the different grape varieties, wine regions, and unique characteristics that make Spanish wines so special - and some of my very favourite in the world! Table of Contents Understanding Spanish Wine Labels Exploring Spanish Grape Varieties Tempranillo Garnacha Albariño Verdejo Other Grape Varieties Spanish Wine Regions Rioja Ribera del Duero Priorat Rias Baixas Cava Sherry Pairing Spanish wines with food Full Bodied Red Wines Medium Bodied Red Wines White wines Rose Wines Sparkling Wines Wine Tourism in Spain Salud! Understanding Spanish Wine Labels One of the first things you'll notice when exploring Spanish wines is the labeling system. Spanish wines are categorized based on their aging process, which is indicated on the label. Here are the most common labels you'll come across: Crianza: Wines that have been aged for at least 2 years, with a minimum of 6 months in oak barrels. Reserva: Wines that have been aged for at least 3 years, with a minimum of 1 year in oak barrels. Gran Reserva: Wines that have been aged for at least 5 years, with a minimum of 18 months in oak barrels. These labels provide some useful information about the aging process of the wine and can give you an idea of its flavor profile and complexity. I'm personally more of a Crianza man, as I can dispense with the additional complexity of flavour (and often way too much "wood" for my tastes) found in Reserva and Gran Reserva wines. Exploring Spanish Grape Varieties Spain is home to a wide variety of grape varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles. By wide variety, I mean that I won't get into the 400 or so grape varieties grown in Spain! Here are some of the most notable Spanish grape varieties: Tempranillo Tempranillo is Spain's most famous grape variety and is often referred to as the "noble grape" of Spain. It is primarily grown in the regions of Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Toro. Tempranillo produces bold and full-bodied red wines with flavors of ripe red fruit, tobacco, leather, and vanilla. It has the potential to age for many years, developing complex flavors and aromas over time. Garnacha Garnacha, also known as Grenache, is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. It thrives in Spain's warm climate and is grown in regions such as Navarra, Rioja, Priorat, and Campo de Borja. Garnacha wines are known for their deep color, high alcohol levels, and flavors of red ripe fruit, coffee, and leather. They often have a long and lingering finish. Albariño Albariño is Spain's most popular white grape variety, primarily grown in the region of Galicia in the very north. It produces light and high-acid wines with flavors of apricots and peaches. Albariño wines are perfect for pairing with seafood, especially shellfish, and offer a refreshing and balanced drinking experience. Verdejo Verdejo is another notable white grape variety from Spain, primarily grown in the region of Rueda, in central Spain. It was traditionally used to make sweet white wines, but in recent years, winemakers have started producing higher quality dry white wines from Verdejo. These wines are aromatic, with notes of tropical fruits and a balanced acidity. For all those reason, a Rueda is my very first drink of choice when I get to Spain! Other Grape Varieties Spain is home to many other grape varieties that contribute to the rich tapestry of Spanish wines. Some notable examples include Mencia, Monastrell, Macabeo (also known as Viura), and Palomino, which is used to make Sherry. Spanish Wine Regions Spain boasts a vast number of wine regions, each with its own unique climate, soil types, and grape varieties. I'm not going to get into each of the 138 officially demarcated wine regions, and instead focus on some of the most prominent ones: Rioja Rioja is perhaps the most famous wine region in Spain. Located in the north-central part of the country, Rioja is known for its remarkable winerys and age-worthy red wines made primarily from Tempranillo. Rioja wines exhibit a perfect balance of ripe fruit flavors, oak influence, and subtle earthy notes. The region also produces some exceptional white wines made from Viura and other indigenous grape varieties. Ribera del Duero Ribera del Duero, located in the Castilla y León region, in northern Spain, is renowned for its powerful and robust red wines made predominantly from Tempranillo. These wines are characterized by their intense dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and impressive aging potential. Ribera del Duero wines are often compared to the top wines of Rioja but offer their own distinct personality. Many of my personal favourite Spanish wines are in fact Duero reds! Less pricey than their Rioja brothers, they have many similar characteristics with added minerality that I enjoy with some exquiste jamon or other tapa delights! Priorat Located in the Catalonia region, Priorat is known for its unique and highly regarded red wines. The region's steep slopes and rocky soils produce low yields of concentrated and intensely flavored grapes, resulting in bold and structured wines. Priorat wines are often blends of Garnacha and Carineña, with additional varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah added for complexity. Rias Baixas Rias Baixas, situated in the Galicia region, is famous for its crisp and aromatic white wines made primarily from the Albariño grape. The region's cool and damp climate, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, helps to retain the grape's natural acidity and produces wines with vibrant citrus and stone fruit flavors. Rias Baixas wines are a perfect match for seafood and offer a refreshing drinking experience. Cava Cava is Spain's answer to Champagne, a sparkling wine made using the traditional method. The majority of Cava production is centered in Catalonia, with the Penedès region being the most prominent. Cava is made primarily from the Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada grape varieties, producing wines with fine bubbles, crisp acidity, and flavors of citrus and green apple. Honestly, I prefer the lighter and less complex nature of most Cava wines over their French counterparts, as they make perfect dinner companions for so many wonderful Spanish dishes. Sherry Sherry, produced in the Jerez region of Andalucía in the south, is one of Spain's most unique and distinctive wines. Made primarily from the Palomino grape, Sherry comes in a variety of styles, ranging from bone dry to rich and sweet. The region's unique aging process, known as the solera system, imparts complex flavors of nuts, dried fruits, and caramel in these fortified wines. Pairing Spanish wines with food When it comes to Spanish wines, one cannot ignore the sheer delight of pairing them with the delectable flavors of Spanish cuisine. The rich and diverse culinary traditions of Spain offer a perfect canvas for the unique characteristics of Spanish wines to shine. Full Bodied Red Wines Let's start with the world-famous Rioja wines, known for their bold and complex flavors. These wines, particularly the reds, are a perfect match for traditional Spanish dishes such as lamb stew, chorizo, and roasted meats. While Rioja red wines can be smooth as butter, the earthy and fruity notes of Rioja wines complement the rich and robust flavors of these dishes, creating a harmonious dining experience. Medium Bodied Red Wines For those who prefer a lighter red wine, the region of Ribera del Duero offers a selection of wines that pair beautifully with Spanish cuisine. The bold yet elegant Tempranillo grapes produce wines with notes of cherries, plums, and a hint of vanilla. These wines are a fantastic accompaniment to traditional tapas like patatas bravas, cured ham, and Manchego cheese. The interplay of flavors between the wine and the savory, salty, and tangy tapas is simply irresistible. White wines Moving on to the elegant and aromatic whites of Rias Baixas, these wines are a match made in heaven with the abundant seafood found along the Spanish coasts. Imagine savoring a plate of freshly caught grilled fish or succulent prawns, accompanied by a crisp and refreshing Albariño wine. The bright acidity and citrusy undertones of Rias Baixas wines perfectly balance the briny flavors of seafood, resulting in a delightful combination. One of my favourite white wines are the lovely and aromatic Verdejo white wines of the Rueda region. These fragrant and light white wines, with their citrus and melon hints, are perfect for sipping on their own, with light apetizers or delicate seafoods or sushi. Rose Wines Spanish rosé wines, locally referred to as "Rosados," are a vibrant testament to Spain's diverse viticultural heritage. Ranging in color from the palest pink to deep ruby, these wines primarily hail from regions like Navarra, Rioja, and Cigales, although they are produced all across the country. I make it no secret that Rosés are some of my very favorite wines in any part of the world, and Spain does not disappoint! Traditionally made from grape varieties such as Garnacha, Tempranillo, and Monastrell, Spanish rosados offer a delightful balance between fruit-forward flavors of strawberry, cherry, and citrus, with hints of minerality and fresh acidity. Whether sipped alone on a warm afternoon or paired with an array of Spanish tapas, these wines captivate with their refreshing palate and versatile nature. Sparkling Wines And let's not forget the renowned sparkling wine of Spain, Cava. This sparkling gem is a versatile companion to a wide range of foods. From lighter fare like grilled vegetables and seafood to heartier dishes like paella and roasted pork, Cava adds a touch of effervescence and liveliness to any meal. Its crisp acidity and fruit-forward profile make it an excellent choice for celebrations or casual gatherings. Wine Tourism in Spain If you're truly passionate about wine, there's no better way to experience Spanish wines than by visiting the country itself! Spain offers a wealth of wine tourism opportunities, allowing you to explore the stunning vineyards, taste the wines, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of each wine region. From formal guided tours and tastings to wine festivals and gastronomic experiences, or simply ordering a few tapas at a local tavern, you'll be happily surprised with the exceptional value of Spanish wines. Salud! Spain's wine culture is as diverse and vibrant as the country itself. With an impressive array of grape varieties, wine regions, and unique flavors, Spanish wines honestly do offer something for every palate - including tea totals! Whether you're a fan of bold and robust reds, crisp and aromatic whites, or sparkling delights, Spain has surely got your next favourite wine! So, if I haven't scared you off yet, next time you find yourself in Spain, be sure to indulge in the world of Spanish wines and discover the true essence of this magnificent country!
