Spanish Wines

Spain is the world's second largest wine producer, making everything from fruity and affordable crowd pleasers to fine wines that can age for decades. It is thought the Phoenicians first introduced winemaking some 3000 years ago and the Romans later expanded the practice throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Today, there are 138 identifiable Spanish wine regions.

Key Spanish Wine Regions

Spain is best known for its red wines from the rival regions of Rioja and Ribera del Duero. This vast and diverse winemaking nation also boasts numerous other regions which are well worth exploring. Great examples include Priorat in Catalunya, Jumilla in the south, and Toro which are all known for their powerful reds. Top Spanish white wine regions include Rueda and Rias Baixas in Galicia. The iconic Spanish sparkling wine Cava is largely produced in the Penedes region of Catalunya, while the southern city of Jerez de la Frontera is known for its fortified Sherry.

Spanish Grape Varieties

The most famous, and probably the best Spanish red wine is Tempranillo which is planted all over the country, including in Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Other important red wine varieties include Garnacha, Carinena, and Monastrell. White wines are commonly made from local grapes like Verdejo, Albarino, and Godello. Spanish wines are very food friendly, pairing well with the country's cured meats, aged cheeses like Manchego, and fresh seafood from the Spanish coast.