SPANISH WINE

As the world’s third-largest wine producer, Spain is known for its robust Rioja wines, fresh Albariño whites, fruity rosés and rich sherries.

Spain is also one of the oldest winemaking countries, with a history that goes back thousands of years to the Phoenicians and the Romans. This long-standing tradition, along with its wide variety of grapes, means that Spanish wines regularly stand out for their high quality and distinct personality.

Spain has many famous wine regions, each with a unique winemaking style. Some of the most notable include:

• Rioja is Spain’s most famous wine region. It is known for its full-bodied, age-worthy red blends made from Tempranillo.
• Ribera del Duero – Also known for its Tempranillo-based wines, Ribera del Duero produces robust and highly concentrated reds, with ageing characteristics similar to Rioja.
• Rias Baixas – Situated in Galicia, northwest of Spain, Rias Baixas is famous for its white wines made from the Albariño grape. These wines are known for their high acidity, aromatic qualities and saline notes, influenced by the region’s coastal location.
• Jerez – Jerez in Andalusia, southern Spain, is home to the fortified wine Sherry. It is made in various styles, from bone-dry Fino and Manzanilla to sweet Pedro Ximenez.
• Penedès – This Catalonian region is the birthplace of Cava, Spain’s celebrated sparkling wine. It is made from the native Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel·lo grapes, using the traditional method. The region also makes excellent still wines.

Elsewhere, Priorat in Catalonia is renowned for its intense, full-bodied reds, while Rioja’s neighbour, Navarra, is also well-regarded for its wines.

Spain is known for its premium red wines, produced in a diverse array of styles from a range of native and international grape varieties.

• Garnacha – This native grape grows widely in Spain. It’s most associated with Rioja, where it’s often blended with Tempranillo. Garnacha wines have lush, red fruit flavours and medium acidity.
• Tempranillo – Considered Spain’s signature grape. Tempranillo wines are generally ruby red with aromas and flavours that range from strawberries and blackberries to earthy and leathery notes in oak-aged wines.
• Monastrell – Another popular Spanish red grape, typically found in the Jumilla region. It produces robust, full-bodied wines with dark fruit and gamey flavours.
• Mencía – A red grape native to Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra, Mencía creates medium-bodied wines with red fruit and floral notes, often with a distinct mineral edge.

Spain produces some exceptional white wines, with both indigenous and international grape varieties. Some of the best-known Spanish whites include:

• Albariño – Native to Galicia’s Rias Baixas region, the Albariño grape is known for producing high-quality white wines that are typically fresh, fragrant, and high in acidity, with flavours of citrus and green apple. Albariño wines are typically enjoyed young, while their acidity and fresh flavours are at their peak.
• Godello – Another gem from Galicia, Godello wines have gained recognition for their depth and complexity, with notes of apple, pear and – sometimes – a subtle creaminess.
• Verdejo – Primarily associated with Rueda in northwestern Spain, Verdejo produces dry, aromatic wines with high acidity and notes of green apple, fennel and citrus.
• Viura (or Macabeo) – Viura is also used to make still white wines in Rioja and other regions. It’s known for its fresh, fruity characteristics with floral hints. It’s also one of the key grapes used to produce Cava
• Xarel·lo – One of the three main grape varieties used to produce Cava, Xarel·lo (pronounced ‘Chah-rell-lo’) is also used in still wines from Catalonia’s Penedès region. It’s known for its structure and aromas of ripe fruit and flowers.

Spain produces various rosé wines that reflect the qualities of their respective regions. Spanish rosés are generally well-balanced with good acidity, making them versatile for food pairings. Here are just a few examples:

• Navarra Rosado – The northern wine region of Navarra is known for its deeply pink, dry rosé wines. Typical notes in Navarra rosés include fresh strawberries, raspberries, red cherries and subtle floral hints.
• Rioja Rosado – Rosé wines from Rioja are commonly blends of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Viura.
• Cigales Rosado – Rosé wines from Cigales are known for their intense colour and structure, as well as their mix of fruit and mineral flavours. These wines are usually made from a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha.
• Rosado Cava – Spain also produces Rosado Cava, a type of sparkling rosé wine, which is made by blending a small amount of red wine with white.

Cava is Spain’s most famous sparkling wine, made in the Penedès region in Catalonia. It’s made using the traditional method (the same method used to create Champagne) from native grape varieties such as Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel·lo. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can also be used. Cava de Paraje Calificado is a classification for single-vineyard Cavas that satisfy strict ageing and quality criteria.

Other Spanish sparkling wines include Corpinnat and Espumoso de Calidad de Rioja.