SPANISH WINE

Spain produces a host of wine styles, including red, white, rosé (aka rosado), sparkling and dessert wines.

Spain is most famous for its red wines, particularly from regions like Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Priorat. Spain’s most popular sparkling wine is Cava, which traditionally comes from the Penedès region. Sherry (a fortified wine) from Jerez is renowned for its unique aging process and styles, ranging from dry Fino to sweet Pedro Ximénez.

The most popular Spanish grape is Tempranillo, often referred to as the noble grape of Spain. It is used in famous wines from regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Known for producing wines that can range from young and fruity to complex, barrel-aged versions. Other notable Spanish grapes include Garnacha (aka Grenache in France) and Monastrell, which make red wines, plus Albariño, which produces crisp, refreshing white wines.

Spanish is home to some of the world’s most famous wine regions, including Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, Penedès and Rías Baixas. Each region offers unique styles of wines from Spain, shaped by its climate and terroir. Rioja and Ribera del Duero are renowned for their Tempranillo-based reds, while Penedès is famous for Cava (the country's signature sparling wine). Rías Baixas is known for Albariño, which makes fresh and aromatic white wines.

Some of the most well-known Spanish red wines hail from Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Priorat. These regions produce bold and structured wines, often with Tempranillo or Garnacha as the star grape.

Some of the most well-known Spanish white wines come from regions like Rías Baixas and Rueda. These areas produce refreshing and aromatic wines, often made from Albariño, Verdejo or Macabeo grapes.

Cava, produced mainly in Penedès, is the most famous Spanish sparkling wine. Known for its crisp, dry taste, Cava is made from grapes like Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. It is made in the traditinoal method, the same process used in Champagne (with the secondary fermentation taking place in the bottle). Just like Champagne, Cava can be made as a white or rosé wine, with different levels of sweetness, ranging from extra dry to semi-sweet. Other notable Spanish sparkling wines include Txakoli, a light, dry, effervescent wine from the Basque Country, and sparkling wines from Penedès that use the same traditional method but are not labeled as Cava.

Spanish wine stands out due to its diversity, blending ancient Spanish grapes with modern winemaking techniques. The country’s wide range of climates and terroirs allows for an exceptional variety of wines, from rich, full-bodied reds to light, refreshing whites.