A Brief Introduction to Spanish Wines

From the mist-covered green inlets of the northwest to the arid south, passing through the undulating plains of the center, Spain boasts a remarkably diverse landscape and climate. This variety is exactly what makes the assortment of Spanish wines so dynamic, vibrant, and intriguing.

Here is our introductory guide to some of the premier Spanish wine regions, allowing you to discover this wonderful country through one of its greatest treasures: its grapes.

Spanish Red Wines

Rioja

Rioja is undoubtedly Spain’s most famous red wine. Spanning three valleys—Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental—south of the Cantabrian Mountains, it is a relatively small region that makes a significant impact on global wine production.

Here are some facts: it is Spain’s oldest wine, with records dating back to the 9th century. The region boasts over 600 wineries and nearly 15,000 grape growers across 65,000 hectares of vineyards.

Produced from a variety of grapes, Rioja is classified into three aging categories: Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva. All are full-bodied and generally best enjoyed with food. Pay attention to whether the Rioja was aged in American oak, French oak, or a combination of both, as each imparts distinct flavors.

A Rioja winery you must visit: Bodegas López de Heredia – located in the town of Haro, it is one of the oldest wineries in La Rioja. Visits are by appointment only. More information: Lopezdeheredia.com

Ribera del Duero

The 'other' renowned Spanish wine starting with R. Ribera del Duero wines are crafted from the finest Tempranillo grapes, and many in Spain (and beyond) favor their often softer, more refined flavor compared to their Rioja counterparts.

Ribera del Duero wines are typically made entirely from Tempranillo and are primarily aged in French oak. They share the same aging classifications as Rioja: Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva.

A must-visit Ribera del Duero winery: Matarromera – located in the town of Valbuena del Duero, a visit to this winery can also include a tour of their EMINA Wine Museum. More information: Matarromera.es.

Priorat

Priorat is arguably the best-kept secret of Spanish wine. With a viticultural history that dates back to the 12th century, this region in southern Catalonia now produces some of Spain's finest and most robust red wines, yet remains largely unknown to those outside the country.

The landscape here is challenging, even by the standards of Spanish wine regions, forcing the vines to dig deep for water. This results in low yields and high prices. The predominant grape varieties include Garnacha, Cariñena, along with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.

A must-visit winery in Priorat: Alvaro Palacios – the name that almost singlehandedly led Priorat's rise to the pinnacle of Spanish wines in the 1980s, remains one of the top wineries in the area. More information: Aseuniv.com.

Spanish White Wines

Rias Baixas

Located on the border of Portugal in the northwest of Spain, the Rias Baixas region in Galicia is cool, lush, and refreshing—much like its white wine. The highlight of this wine-producing area is Albariño, known for its clean taste and occasional floral hints, making it perfect to pair with the exquisite local seafood.

A Rias Baixas winery you must visit: Though not the largest, the charm of this family-run business lies in its setting—the grand, fortified country house of Finca La Moreira—making it one of the most atmospheric wineries in Spain. More information: Marquesdevizhoja.com.

Cava

Originating from the northeast of Spain, just above Barcelona, Cava is the most renowned sparkling wine of Spain. It is labeled as brut (dry) or semi-seco (semi-sweet), and Cavas can be either white or rosé, typically crafted from Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo grapes.

A Cava winery you must visit: With roots tracing back to the Middle Ages, this Empordà winery boasts a rich history, complete with a grand castellated headquarters. More information: Perelada.com.

Sherry wines

The renowned pre-dinner drink originates from Jerez de la Frontera, which was the European Wine Capital in 2014. It can only be labeled as Sherry if it is made from grapes grown within Cadiz’s ‘Sherry Triangle,’ encompassing Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlucar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa Maria in Andalucia.

The Sherry Triangle boasts well-known names like Domecq and Harveys, but smaller family-operated bodegas are also worth exploring.

Sherry wines are available in both sweet and dry varieties. Dry Sherries such as Fino or Manzanilla are crisp and acidic, making them ideal companions for fish and seafood. Oloroso, with its caramel and nutty notes, complements meat well, while medium-dry Amontillado pairs perfectly with chicken or game birds.

Sherries complement various foods beautifully and are experiencing a resurgence in popularity among wine enthusiasts. Here is a brief guide on what to try:

Fino: This light-colored, very dry sherry originates from Jerez itself. Served cold and enjoyed like a fine white wine, it pairs excellently with shellfish, jamón ibérico (see below), and mild cheeses.

Manzanilla: Similar in color and flavor to Fino, it is also served cold and best complements fish and shellfish. Fino and Manzanilla are the least alcoholic among sherry types and should not be stored once opened.

Amontillado: Amber-colored, smooth, and rich in taste, Amontillado pairs well with white meats, oily fish, and cured cheese.

Oloroso: Dark and with a strong aroma, this dry sherry has a more intense flavor than Fino. Its intensity complements red meats and strong cheeses.

Palo seco: Also dark, Palo seco is strongly scented and flavored. It pairs well with game, foie gras, and strong cheeses.

Pedro Ximenez: Dark and sweet with a rich syrupy texture, Pedro Ximenez has a strong and intense flavor that pairs well with strong cheeses and desserts.

A Sherry bodega you must visit: Bodegas Tradición may not be the oldest bodega in the Sherry Triangle (that title belongs to Domecq), but it is one of the most dedicated to traditional techniques. More information: Bodegastradicion.es.

Rioja

White Rioja is crafted using Viura, either on its own or blended with varieties like Chardonnay or Garnacha Blanca, among others. Although most white Riojas are young, they still offer a full-bodied flavor.

Malaga Wine

Malaga boasts a rich and storied wine-making tradition, with its wines dating back to the time of the Phoenicians in southern Spain, long before the Romans began their own production. In the 19th century, British wine merchants shipped Malaga wines to satisfy the sweet cravings of the Victorians.

Today, Malaga wines are crafted from Moscatel or Pedro Ximenez grapes, resulting in fortified and naturally sweet varieties. Available in both red and white, they pair wonderfully with a ripe local goats' cheese.

A Malaga winery you must visit: Bodega F. Schatz – reflecting the international heritage of the Spanish wine industry, this top Malaga winery was established by a German. More information: F-schatz.com.

Rueda

For those accustomed to New World white wines, the most popular white wine in Spain might be somewhat underwhelming.

Located in Castilla y Leon, the Rueda region primarily uses Verdejo grapes to craft its wines. These wines are highly aromatic, often featuring notes of tropical fruit and fresh grass, and they are refreshing with a slight bitterness.

Key Considerations for Spanish Wine

Spain has several wine classifications, each with its own criteria. Key ones to note are Denominacion de Origen (DO), Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOCa, DOC, or DOQ), and DO Pago (specific to single winery estates).

On the label, you'll find terms like Joven, Crianza (aged at least 2 years, with 12 months in oak barrels), Reserva (aged at least three years, including 12 months in oak barrels), or Gran Reserva (aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels, and over three years in the bottle before being sold).