Wines from Spain

• Spanish wines have received numerous prizes and awards, including over 30,000 medals in international wine competitions in 2020 alone.

• Wine tourism is becoming increasingly popular in Spain, with over 3 million visitors to Spanish wineries and wine regions in 2019.

• Overall, Spanish viticulture makes a significant contribution to the economy and cultural heritage of the country, which has a long history of winemaking and focuses on quality and innovation in modern times.

Spain’s most important grape varieties

Tempranillo: This is the most widely grown grape variety in Spain, from which many of the country’s most famous wines are made, including those from Rioja and Ribera del Duero. It gives medium-bodied wines with aromas of red fruits, leather and tobacco.

Garnacha: Also known as Grenache, this grape variety is widely planted in Spain and produces wines with high alcohol, low acidity and aromas of red fruits, spices and herbs.

Monastrell: This grape variety is grown mainly in southeastern Spain and produces powerful, full-bodied wines with aromas of black fruits, chocolate and spices.

Bobal: This grape variety is native to the Utiel-Requena region of Valencia and produces wines with medium acidity and aromas of red fruits, herbs and spices.

Airén: This is the most widely grown white grape variety in Spain and is mainly used for the production of bulk wines. It gives wines with low acidity and aromas of citrus and tropical fruits.

Albariño: This white grape variety is grown mainly in the region of Galicia and produces crisp, aromatic wines with aromas of citrus, peach and floral notes.

Verdejo: This white grape variety is grown mainly in the Rueda region and produces fresh, aromatic wines with aromas of green apple, citrus and herbs.

Viura: This white grape variety is grown mainly in the Rioja region and is used for the production of both white wines and blended wines. It produces wines with high acidity and aromas of green apple, lemon and herbs.

In addition to these native grape varieties, Spain also produces many international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay grown, often blended with the native varieties to produce modern, innovative wines.

Spanish wine and food culture

Spain has a rich culinary culture, and wine is an integral part of it. Wine is often drunk with meals in Iberia, and the country’s different wine styles pair well with the diverse Spanish cuisine. Here are some popular Spanish dishes and the wines that go with them:

Paella: This classic Spanish dish is made with rice, saffron and a variety of meats and seafood. It goes well with Spanish white wines such as Albariño, Verdejo and Viura.

Jamón Ibérico: This ham is a Spanish delicacy and is often served as an appetizer. It goes well with dry Spanish red wines such as Tempranillo and Garnacha.

Patatas bravas: These crispy potatoes are a popular tapa in Spain and are often served with a spicy tomato sauce. They pair well with Spanish white wines such as Verdejo and Viura.

Tortilla Española: This classic Spanish omelet is made with potatoes and onions and is often served as a light meal or snack. It goes well with Spanish red wines such as Tempranillo and Garnacha.

Churros mit Schokolade: This classic Spanish dessert consists of fried dough served with a rich chocolate sauce. It goes well with sweet Spanish wines such as Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel.

Gegrilltes Fleisch: Spain is known for its grilled meats such as chorizo, pork and lamb. These dishes pair well with Spanish red wines such as Tempranillo and Monastrell.

Overall, Spain’s diverse cuisine offers a number of ways to pair wine with food. The country’s winemakers have developed a wide range of wine styles that complement the bold flavors and spices of Spanish cuisine, so Spanish wine and food are made for each other.

Spanish wines and barrel aging

The barrel aging is an important aspect of Spanish winemaking. Many Spanish wines are aged in oak barrels to develop complexity, texture and flavor. Here are some of the most important things to know about barrel aging and Spanish wines:

Types of oak: Spanish winemakers typically use two types of oak for barrel aging: French oak and American oak. French oak is known for its tight grain and subtle vanilla and spice aromas, while American oak has a looser grain and brings more pronounced aromas of coconut and vanilla.

Duration of maturation: The duration of aging in barrels varies depending on the wine style and the winemaker’s preference. Some Spanish wines age for only a few months, while others can last for several years.

Types of wines: Barrel aging is common in many of Spain’s most famous wine regions, including Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Priorat. These regions are known for their rich, complex red wines that age in oak barrels to develop depth and character. However, aging in oak barrels is also used for some white wines and sherries.

Oak flavors: Aging in oak barrels can impart a range of aromas to the wine, including vanilla, spice, toast and smoke. These aromas can complement the wine’s natural fruit flavors, adding complexity and depth.

Tannins: Barrel aging can also affect the tannins in the wine, making them softer and better integrated. This can help give the finished wine a soft, silky texture.

Overall, barrel aging is an important part of Spanish winemaking and has played a key role in the development of the country’s most famous wines. The use of oak barrels adds complexity, depth and texture to Spanish wines, making them some of the most sought-after and distinctive wines in the world.

The most important wine regions of Spain

Rioja: Located in northern Spain, Rioja is perhaps the most famous wine region in Spain, known for producing rich, complex red wines from the Tempranillo grape variety.

Ribera del Duero: Ribera del Duero is located in northern and central Spain and is known for its full-bodied red wines made from the Tempranillo grape variety, often aged in oak barrels.

Priorat: Located in northeastern Spain, Priorat is a small, mountainous region known for its intense, full-bodied red wines made from the Garnacha and Cariñena grape varieties.

Rías Baixas: Located in northwestern Spain, the Rías Baixas region is known for its crisp, refreshing white wines made from the Albariño grape variety.

Jerez: Located in southwestern Spain, Jerez is known for its fortified wines, including sherry and manzanilla, made from the Palomino and Pedro Ximenez grape varieties.

Penedès: Located in northeastern Spain near Barcelona, Penedès is known for its sparkling wines made from the native grape varieties Xarel-lo, Parellada and Macabeo, as well as its full-bodied red wines made from Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon.

La Mancha: Located in central Spain, La Mancha is the largest wine region in Spain and is known for the production of red and white wines, including Tempranillo, Garnacha and Airen.

Rueda: Rueda is located in north-central Spain and is known for its fresh, aromatic white wines made from the Verdejo grape variety.

Toro: Located in northwestern Spain, Toro is known for its powerful, full-bodied red wines made from the Tinta de Toro grape variety, a local clone of Tempranillo.

These are just a few of Spain’s many wine regions, but they are among the most important and well-known. Each region has its own unique terroir, grape varieties and winemaking techniques, resulting in a diverse range of wines that reflect Spain’s rich cultural and historical heritage.