Spain, the land of passion. It borders France to the north and Portugal to the west. It is the third largest producer of wine in the world after Italy and France! Many wines are produced in the rich soil suitable for growing grapes in the Iberian Peninsula of southern Europe.
When you think of Spain, you think of red wine! However, in relatively cool regions, various types are produced, including white wine, sparkling wine such as cava, and fortified wine such as sherry. The abundance of styles is one of the charms of Spanish wine.
This time, we will talk about Spanish wine. We will introduce the types of grapes, the characteristics of each region, and recommended wines.
How to read Spanish wine labels
Labels to look out for when choosing Spanish wine. Many Spanish wines are listed with the region of origin, ripeness, and grape variety.
Choose by grape variety
Grape cultivation began in Spain around 1100 BC. Winemaking was introduced by the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks, and is said to have spread to eastern Spain in the 5th century BC.
More than 400 grape varieties are planted in Spain, but most wine is produced from 20 grape varieties. We will introduce some representative varieties.
red wine grapes
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is Spain's most famous red wine grape. You'll see Tinto Fino, Tinto de Toro, Cencibel, Ull de Llebre, Tinto delPais, etc.
The two most famous regions for Tempranillo are Rioja and Ribera del Duero.
Tempranillo has a fresh, fruity taste, but when aged in oak barrels, it develops aromatic complexity.
Garnacha
Garnacha, known as Grenache in France, originates from Spain. Today, it is grown in almost every wine-producing country in the world. It grows in warm climates and is widely cultivated in Spain, especially in the north-central region. It is commonly used in rosé, but is also used as part of blends in Priorat and Rioja.
Produces a fruity wine with a hint of raspberry.
Carignan
This variety originates from Carignan, a town in eastern Spain. Now it even has its own DO named after the grape. It is also widely cultivated in southern France, in Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, and the Rhône region.
A tangy, high-alcohol, black grape that produces spiciness and firm tannins.
white wine grapes
Albariño
It is grown in the northwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula, near the sea. Recommended for those who like dry, fresh white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc. It is also grown in Portugal, where a single varietal wine is made into high-acid Vinho Verde wine.
It is characterized by a rich fruit flavor and a gorgeous aroma. Along with its acidity, it also produces a silky creaminess from the rich glycerin content.
verdejo
Verdejo, grown in Rueda, is used for fruity, young white wines. It produces aromatic white wines with tropical character, with notes of citrus and melon.
It has a sour and bitter aftertaste and is sometimes blended to add body to Sauvignon Blanc and Viura.
Although this wine is often drunk young, it can also be aged in oak barrels.
Chiarello
A grape variety native to Catalonia. It is famous as the main grape for Cava.
It is prized for its bracing, lemony acidity, and fruity flavor. Perfect for chilling and enjoying on a hot summer day.
Select by region or DO
Among Spanish wines, wines that have been approved as "DO" are "wines of guaranteed quality." It is produced in the region indicated on the label and the winemaking process is controlled by a regulatory commission.
Among them, high quality and noble wines are rated "DOCa". There are only two wines that belong to this "DOCa" category. Priorat and Rioja.
Priorat is also called DOQ rather than DOCa, as the Catalan word is sometimes used for wines from Catalonia.
Furthermore, all Spanish wines are classified into quality wines (DOP) and table wines (IGP) according to European Commission regulations.
Choose by ripening period
Spanish wines are also classified by age. All wines rated DO or above will have this classification written on their labels. This may also be helpful in choosing wine.
Crianza
Red wine ???????????????????????????? Aging for at least two years
White/Rosé wine? Aging for at least 1 and a half years
(There is no crianza standard for kava)
Reserva
Red wine
White/Rosé wine? Aging for at least 2 years
Cava????????????????????????????? Aged for more than 15 months
Gran Reserva
Red wine ???????????????????????????? Aging for at least 5 years
White/Rosé wine? Aging for at least 4 years
Cava????????????????????????????? Aged for over 30 months
Typical Spanish wine regions
rioja region
Rioja is the first region in Spain to receive the DOCa designation. 75% of the wine produced in Rioja is red. It is a blend of various grape varieties, with Tempranillo as the main ingredient. Rioja wine is fruity, easy to drink, and goes well with a variety of dishes. It is said that the poet Hemingway was also a big fan of Rioja wine!
View Rioja wine products
[blogcard url="https://www.winenation.jp/view/category/I165024"]
Catalonia
Catalonia, which borders the Mediterranean Sea, has long been known as a wine-producing region.
The wines of Catalonia are Cava, a sparkling wine made from the Penedes variety, and Priorat, a DOCa.
There are only two top quality DOCa wines in Spain: Rioja and Priorat. In Priorat, red wine is gaining popularity, blending the traditional variety Garnacha, a black grape, with exotic varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
View Catalan wine products
[blogcard url="https://www.winenation.jp/view/category/ct102"]
basque country
The Basque region is located in northern Spain, facing the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic Ocean. Txakoli, a slightly sparkling wine with low alcohol content and high acidity, is produced here. Txakoli is a wine that you can casually enjoy with Basque cuisine ``pintxos''.
La Mancha region
The La Mancha region in central Spain boasts the largest DO certified area.
The region used to be known for producing cheap white wine from its vast vineyards, but in recent years the production of high-quality wine has been increasing, especially in Valdepeñas (DO).
In the past, white wine from the Airén variety was mainly produced, but since the late 1990s there has been a rapid shift to black grape varieties, and now two-thirds of production is red wine.
See La Mancha wines
[blogcard url="https://www.winenation.jp/view/category/ct107"]
Andalusia region
Andalusia is located in southern Spain and has a mild Mediterranean climate. The area around Jerez de la Frontera in the southwestern region is famous for producing sherry, a fortified wine made from white grapes, mainly Palomino.
Wines from Jerez often appear in English literature. The wine that appears most often in Shakespeare's works is also wine from Jerez.
Feel free to enjoy unique Spanish wines
There are casual and lively bars lined up, where you can have a drink with friends. The way Spaniards enjoy wine is somewhat similar to the atmosphere of Japanese izakaya restaurants.
Another appeal of Spanish wine is that you can easily try a variety of wines at reasonable prices. Paella, Spanish omelet, ham and pinchos. Enjoy a variety of unique styles of Spanish wine to go with delicious Spanish cuisine!
List of Spanish wine products
[blogcard url="https://www.winenation.jp/view/category/spain"]
