Spain´s Wine Regions
Rioja is rightly Spain's best-known wine and includes wines such as Cune, Berberana, Marques de Caceres and La Rioja Alta
Another top-drawer and currently fashionable region is Ribera del Duero in Castilla-Leon, which makes the country's most expensive wine, Vega Sicilia. Other outstanding reds to look out for are Pesquera, Vina Pedrosa, and Senorio de Nava.
Scores of other regional wines are also available —some of the best are from Navarra (Chivite, Palacio de la Vega) and Catalunya (Bach, Raimat, Caus Lubis, and Alvaro Palacios), a region that also produces champagne-like cava (Codorniu, Marques de Monistrol).
Galicia, too, in the temperate northwest, is producing some notable white wines (Ribeiro, Fefinanes and Albariño are prominent producers).
One of Spain's most renowned wine regions is Jerez de la Frontera, which is renowned for producing the ever-popular sherry wines.
Spain´s Love of Wine
Many bars and restaurants in Spain offer great-value budget menus for around 6 to 10 euros, some of which include a bottle of wine for two people.
The wine included is generally of adequate quality. Most establishments serve Valdepenas, a reasonably mass-produced wine from the central plains of El Castile.
Of course, if you pay the lowest rates for a decent menu that includes wine, you will be given the cheaper brands, which will probably taste better when mixed with a dash of lemonade (Caserta).
Most Restaurants, though, will offer a thoughtful and varied Carta de Vino (Wine list) at very reasonable prices. It is not unusual to see good-quality house wines for around 10 to 20 Euros a bottle.
As you would imagine, though, the better wines are only usually found at the more upmarket eateries.
Spanish Red Wine
When it comes to Spanish red wines, there is a wide variety of styles and flavours for you to explore!
Tempranillo is the most widespread grape variety in the north and central areas of Spain and is used to produce full-bodied, tannic wines with high acidity.
In the northeast, Garnacha is the main grape used to make smooth and fruity red wines with a spicy finish. Monastrell is the primary variety in the south, and it is used to produce bold and intense wines with deep colour and flavour.
No matter which type of Spanish red wine you prefer, some great options are available.
The most popular Spanish red wines include Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, and Bierzo. Each one offers its unique flavour profile and can be enjoyed by itself or paired with various dishes.
So don’t be afraid to explore the world of Spanish red wines and discover the perfect bottle for you!
Best Spanish Red Wines
- Marques de Riscal Gran Reserva
- Vega Sicilia Unico
- Valdemar Maturana Tinta
- Marqués de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva
- Marques de Caseres
- Altos de Lanzaga
- Dominio de Pingus
- Alvaro Palacios L’Ermita
- Clos Erasmus
- Muga Torre Muga
Budget-Friendly Red Wine
1. Finca Nueva
This classic red wine with an intense purple colour comes from Rioja, Spain, and is made from the Tempranillo grape variety.
Many Spanish people refer to this black grape as the noble grape. Tempranillo ripens earlier than most other grapes in Spain and has been used for winemaking since the ancient days of the Phoenician settlements.
Finca Nueva has an enduring and unforgettable flavour with a touch of modern-day sophistication.
2. The Ramón Roqueta Reserva
This red wine comes from the Bodegas Winery in Catalonia. Its alcohol level is around 13.5%, and it is usually sold in 750-millilitre bottles.
A hugely popular red wine with over 10,000 cases is made each year.
The Ramon Roqueta Reserva has a deep ruby colour and low acidity and sugar content.
This wine is made with blends of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Tempranillo grape gives the wine a delicate and pleasing aroma.
3. Artazuri Garnacha
Artazuri Garnacha Rose is a good, budget-friendly wine. Although it may not be one of the most well-known Spanish wines, it does have a very agreeable, earthy taste and is sold at a very reasonable price.
Spanish White Wine
While Spain is known more for its red wines, there are some excellent white wines.
With more hectares of vineyards than any other country in the world, Spain now produces a large selection of renowned white wines.
10 Top Spanish White Wines
» Edalo Contreras Ruiz, Condado de Huelva
» Rioja Blanco Castillo de Albai
» Castell Macabeu/Chardonnay - Clos Mont Blanc
» Ermita del Conde Albillo - Castilla y León
» Lagar de Cervera Albariño - Rías Baixas
» Monte Blanco de Ramón Bilbao Verdejo - Rueda
» Canto Real Verdejo - Rueda
» Martín Códax As Caixas Godello - Rías Baixas
» Blanco Nieva Pie Franco - Rueda
» Pazo Senorans Albariño - Rías Baixa
1. Sherry
Sherry is a white fortified wine produced in the city of Jerez, Andalucia.
Most homes will have at least one bottle ready for a quick family celebration.
Chances are you have already tried some as it ranks as one of the most popular white wines in the world.
2. Albarino White Wine
Spain's signature white wine is Albarino, and it is named for a grape that is grown in Galicia.
Exclusively bottled as a varietal ( wine produced from a single grape variety ) it is unquestionably ranked as one of the world's finest white wines.
The intense mineral content, searing acidity, and light body are similar to that of a light ocean breeze.
The locals love to pair it with fresh fish, seafood and paella.
3. Rueda
One of the most famous white Spanish wines comes from the Rueda wine-growing region, Rueda stands for the wheel in Spanish.
The main grape variety used to produce Rueda wines is verdejo, while the rest is usually made up of Sauvignon Blanc.
Cava - Spanish Sparkling Wine
Cava is a traditional Spanish sparkling wine that is produced using the same method as Champagne.
The taste is closer to Champagne than Prosecco, and it is becoming increasingly popular as a value-oriented bubbly.
Cava typically has zesty aromatics and a light body, but some producers are beginning to age their wines on the lees to give them a fuller body and baked notes of apple and almond.
In addition, some producers are even using French grapes such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to give their Cava a unique complexity and flavour profile.
If you're looking for a unique bubbly with a classic and traditional flavour, Cava might be a perfect choice.
The makers of Cava have the unique advantage of having access to two distinct grape varieties: Spanish indigenous grapes, such as Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo, as well as the grapes used in Champagne, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
This allows the winemakers to produce a flavour profile that is both unique to Spain as well as influenced by French characters.
Unlike Champagne, there are no geographical restrictions on where Cava can be made throughout Spain.
However, the regulating body of Cava has expressed interest in introducing regulated regions, allowing producers to create a specific and consistent flavour profile. This could potentially make Cava even more desirable and popular with consumers.
Top Award-Winning Spanish Cava Sparkling Wines
- Roger Goulart - Josep Valls Gran Reserva
- Juve y Camps Millesime Rose Brut from
- Covides Gran Reserva Gesta Brut NV
- Rovellats Mesia Segle XV Gran Reserva
- Vilanau Organic Reserva Brut
- Vallformosa Origen Reserva Brut
- Marquis de ls Concordia
- Segura Viudas Gran Reserva
- Anna de Cordoniu Brut
- Elyssia Pinot Noir Brut Cava
10 Amazing Wineries You Can Visit in Spain
Spain has the most wineries in the world; there are currently around 4,300 bodegas across the country.
Luckily, many wineries are open to the public, and some are truly spectacular and well worth exploring.
Marqués de Riscal Winery La Rioja
For a luxury dedicated wine-tasting tour, try the stunning Hotel Marques de Riscal in the heart of the Rioja wine country.
The hotel is nestled within the renowned vineyards of the Marqués de Riscal, near the medieval village of El Ciego.
Renowned architect Frank O. Gehry created the stunning twenty-first-century avant-garde design.
Our pick of the best wineries to visit in Spain includes:
- Marqués de Riscal ( Rioja )
- Bodegas Regina Viarum ( Lugo )
- Bodegas Granbazan ( Pontivedra )
- Bodegas Finca La Emperatriz ( Rioja )
- Bodegas Baigorri ( Alava )
- Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro ( Valladolid )
- Bodegas Pradorey ( Burgos )
- Bodegas Ysios ( Rioja )
- Bodega Beroja ( Vizcaya )
Wine & Vineyard Tours
Spain offers lots of wine tourism opportunities, from day-trip bodega visits to stays at exclusive luxury vineyard hotels. Some of the best companies which organise wine-tasting and tourism trips include:
» Get Your Guide Rioja Tours
» Winetourismspain.com
» Cellar Tours
» Decanter.com