The wines of Spain are evocative and emotional. They conjure vivid imagery of lively public squares, beautiful fields of grapes in the foothills of the mountains, and sprawling beaches, all perfect settings for a glass of vino. When we think of Spanish wine, we think about the regions. From Catalonia to La Rioja, Galicia, Aragon, Castilla y Leon, Castilla La Mancha, the Canary’s, and Andalucia, Spanish wines showcase the unique terroirs of the Iberian peninsula. While you can find international grape varieties like Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, Spanish winemakers are, correctly, proud of their native grapes. The Garnacha (the Spanish name for Grenache), Monastrell, Macabeo, Albariño, Negro, Mencia, and Tempranillo grape varieties all have regions that revere them, and are worth exploring.
What are the most popular wine regions in Spain?
Like France and Italy, winemaking has been happening in Spain for over a thousand years, and today you will find long-established pockets of winemaking appellations all over the country like Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Priorat in Catalonia. There are also wine regions with growing international popularity, where winemakers follow old-world philosophy with New World innovation by focusing on ancient varietals with old vines and new techniques. This is especially true for vineyards outside of Valencia, in Rias Baixas (on the Coast of Galicia and the border with Portugal), and in the Canary Islands. The wines range from austere to fruity and fun, but all have deep flavors.
What are the tasting notes of wines from Spain?
Spanish wine flavor profiles will be variable and depend on the grape and wine region that it comes from. There are a multitude of red wines, white wines, fortified wines, and sparkling wines to choose from. Sparkling Spanish Cava (made in Penedes) isn’t just an answer to French Champagne. It has its own traditions and often sees more time in oak barrels while aging for added complexity. The bodegas of Rioja have their own aging system calling the wines: Rioja (little to no aging), Crianza (one year in oak and one in bottle), Reserva (one year in oak and two in bottle), and Gran Reserva (two years in oak and three in bottle). These names will determine the price and quality of the finished wine. The longer in barrel or bottle gives the ripe tannins time to integrate into the wine. Sherry is a fortified wine made in Jerez that is often briny with ripe acidity. No matter what Spanish wine you choose, it is likely to be delicious.
Want to learn more about wines from Spain?
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