Spain is defined as a tale of two worlds, modern vs. traditional. Without a basic understanding of a country’s geography and regional organization, understanding wine in that area is impossible. Spain is a country with a land area of about 500,000 square kilometres (almost 20% larger than California Estate) and a population of approximately 45 million people. Wine has been grown in Spain since at least 1,100 BC when the Phoenicians settled in the Cadiz region.
This part of Spain is close to the sea and provided a convenient shipping port for the Phoenicians. This region is fertile, easy to harvest, and hot in the interior. This was an ideal location for the development of wine, and it marked the beginning of the sherry triangle in the province of Cadiz’s Jerez de la Frontera.
In Spain, there are 138 recognized wine designations (as of 2020). The regions produce a wide range of wines, from citrus Albario to inky black Monastrell. As a result, the most effective method to learn about Spanish wine is to divide the country into seven distinct temperature zones. It reflects Spain’s winemaking character and legacy that even the most sophisticated winemakers use indigenous grape types. While some places have begun to produce more foreign varietals, indigenous grapes remain the primary focus.
Suppose you are looking for a wonderful wine holiday, where you can jump from one vineyard to another, explore the charming wine town, and visit a large number of wineries to taste delicious wines. In that case, there is nothing better for you than Spain.
Rioja
Rioja is Spain’s Tuscany, offers gorgeous rolling landscapes, historic hamlets, and fine wines. Rioja is, without a doubt, the most celebrated Spanish wine area globally, having a global reputation. The wines are outstanding, with international critics and connoisseurs praising them. It stretches across three valleys to the south of the Cantabrian Mountains, the Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental. It is a relatively tiny area but packs a big punch when it comes to global wine production.
Across 65,000 hectares of vineyards, there are more than 600 wineries and nearly 15,000 grape farmers. It comes in three age categories: Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, and is made from a variety of grapes. All of them have a strong flavour profile and are best enjoyed with meals. One thing to keep an eye out for is whether the Rioja was matured in American oak, French oak, or a combination of both, as each has its particular flavour profile.
People describe Rioja wines as ‘traditional’ or ‘modern’ in style. Rioja’s ‘traditional’ wines are matured in American oak barrels, which give the wine aromas of coconut and dill. French oak barrels, which provide a hint of vanilla and baking spice, are commonly used by ‘modern’ winemakers.
Some of the best bodegas to visit in Rioja include the historic Bodegas Muga, Bodegas López de Heredia and the Bodegas Bilbainas.
Rias Baixas
Suppose you’re looking for a long and colourful history of winemaking similar to that you might find in France or Italy. In that case, the Rias Baixas region is located in Spain; this region produces worlds famous wines.
Rias Baixas is undoubtedly a land of aromatic Albariño and fresh seafood. Witness landscapes all over the river and the coastline dotted with fishing villages.
Strolling through the streets of the old town, start with a glass of local wine at Hostal dos Reis Católicos (elegant five-star hotel across from Piazza Duomo) and explore the famous medieval pilgrimage destination Santiago de Compostela. Walk through the coastal towns and vineyards of Rias Baixas and visit the historic Pontevedra in the picturesque town of Camaro, one of Spain’s top food and wine destinations.
Embark on a cruise that will take you from Santiago to the white wine country of Albariño and Rías Baixas (lower bay), with beautiful beaches and picturesque coastline, an ideal place to taste Galicia’s best seafood.
Explore the capital of wine, Cambados and don’t forget to taste muscles and wines at Lanzada Beach and La Toja Island.
Priorat
Priorat is a wine area in the province of Tarragona and roughly a two-hour drive southwest of Barcelona. The soils and microclimate are peculiar to this location. Priorat is a wealthy and historically rich agricultural region. The hues of the terrain are unusual and magnificent, with vineyards growing next to olive trees.
The native grapes that thrive in the region’s barren soil, which gives a distinctive minerality, distinguish Priorat wines. The wine’s intensity comes from the fact that many of these grapes are old and produce low yields.
Priorat is a land of red wine, with white grapes accounting for less than 5% of the yield. Most Priorat wines are dry red mixes with a thick body and high alcohol and tannin content. The majority of Priorat’s red wines are made from a combination of Garnacha and Carina, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and other grapes. Alvaro Palacios was a pioneer in this region, and while Priorat prices have risen dramatically in recent years, his “Camins del Priorat” bottling remains one of the best values available.
Wander through the Gratallops village and explore the fantastic restaurants and bars to thrown in Priorat.
Malaga
Malaga is undoubtedly the best renowned for its tourist attractions, but it is also known as the best region of wine in Spain. Malaga’s history is as old as its wine manufacturing. Malaga wine is a sweet, darkly coloured, rich wine that goes well with desserts. Malaga’s sweet wines are divided into fortified wines or “vinos de liquor” with between 15 and 22 percent alcohol content and relaxed wines or “vinos tranquilos” with up to 15% alcohol content for more relaxed events.
Malaga currently has 3,800 hectares of vineyards. The Muscat and Pedro Ximenez grapes dominate, and Rome, Lauren, and Doradilla are some of the other grapes used to make sweet Malaga wine. Malaga wines are distinguished by their varied topography and climate zones, ranging from continental in the north to the Mediterranean on the coast to subtropical in the Axarquia region. Approximately 30 wineries spread across Malaga’s three authorized wine-producing districts now produce just under two million bottles of wine each year.
Explore the mountaintop cities of Setenil de las Bodegas and enjoy local clubs and bars. Learn about the wine culture and discover the tastiest sherry and tapas pairings.
Jerez
Jerez de la Frontera is the home of the fortified Sherry wine made from white grapes grown near Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain.
Located upon one of many hills, Jerez de la Frontera is the largest region and capital of the Sherry wine. Nearby mountains of the sierra and the shining white towns and villages of the coast make Jerez a dynamic and fascinating region.
Each winery is unique in its art and architecture. Jerez has a collection of wineries that are true monuments to wine and offer unique wines to the world. Some of the popular wines include: Po vino Fino, Amontillado, and Oloroso.
Wander about the small, flat town centre on foot, and climb to the top of the Moorish fortress Alcázar, to witness the view of Jerez vineyards stretching to the horizon. Jerez, the heart of Andalusia, is a beautiful city full of wineries, all the sidewalks have bars, and the tables are made of blackened sherry butts. You’re not far from a cool glass of Fino.
Spain is the best choice if you feel in the mood to experience a true paradise for sparkling wines.
