When it comes to wine, there are few places in the world with as much history and tradition as Spain. For centuries, Spanish vintners have been perfecting the art of wine-making, and the results are evident in the country's many delicious wines. From bright and fruity whites to rich and robust reds, Spanish wines have something to offer everyone. And with so many different types of grapes to choose from, it's no wonder that Spanish wines are some of the most diverse and interesting in the world.
Tempranillo - The King of Spanish Grapes
If there is one grape that is most emblematic of Spanish wine, it is Tempranillo. This versatile grape is used in a wide variety of Spanish wines, from light and refreshing Rosados to full-bodied Rioja wines. Tempranillo is known for its high acidity andmoderate tannins, which give it a pleasantly tart taste. It is also one of the main grapes used in Spain's famous Sherry wines.
The most famous wine regions for growing this grape are La Rioja and Ribera del Duero, although it is grown in many more wine regions, as it is the most cultivated grape in Spain. Tempranillo grape is also known in Spain by other names such as Ull de llebre en Cataluña, Tinta del país en Ribera del Duero, Tinta de Toro en Zamora, Cencibel en la Castilla La Mancha, Tinto fino en Madrid.
Garnacha - A versatile Grape for all Seasons
Garnacha is another grape that is widely planted throughout Spain. It is most commonly used in blends, as it adds body and structure to lighter wines. However, Garnacha can also be made into a delicious single-varietal wine. These Garnacha wines tend to be high in alcohol and have pronounced fruit flavors, making them ideal for enjoying with food.
Graciano - A Mighty Little Grape
Graciano is a type of grape that is often overlooked, but it plays an important role in many Spanish wines. This grape adds acidity and tannins to red wine blends, giving them more complexity and depth of flavor. Graciano is also used in some of Spain's best Sherry wines.
The Monastrell Grape: A Spanish Superstar
Native to the Jumilla region in Southeast Spain, the Monastrell grape has been cultivated for centuries. This hardy grape thrives in hot, dry climates and produces deeply colored wines with tons of personality. If you're looking for a big, bold red wine, Monastrell is definitely the grape for you.
Most Monastrell wines are 100% varietal, meaning they're made entirely from Monastrell grapes. But this delicious grape can also be blended with other varietals like Grenache or Cabernet Sauvignon. These blends tend to be more well-rounded and approachable than 100% Monastrell wines, making them a great choice if you're new to this varietal.
Airen: The hidden jewel
Airen is a white grape that is most commonly found in the northwestern region of Spain. In fact, Airen is one of the most widely planted grape in all of Spain! The grape is used to make a variety of wines, but it is most often used in cheap, bulk wines. That being said, there are some higher-quality Airen wines out there if you know where to look.
So what does Airen wine taste like? Most Airen wines are light-bodied and have high acidity. They often have floral aromas and flavors of green apples and citrus fruits. If you're looking for a refreshing, easy-drinking wine, then Airen is a great option.
Albariño: White Superstar
Albariño is indigenous to Galicia in northwest Spain, where it is used to make refreshing white wines that are high in acidity. Albariño wines are typically light-bodied with floral aromas and flavors of stone fruit and citrus. They pair well with shellfish—a popular Galician dish—and other seafood entrees.
Bobal: Powerful Grape
The exact origins of the Bobal grape are not known, but it is believed to have originated in the region of Valencia in eastern Spain. The grape was first mentioned in Spanish literature in the late 15th century, and it quickly became one of the most widely planted varieties in Valencia. The popularity of the Bobal grape continued into the 20th century, and by the mid-1900s it was the most planted red grape variety in all of Spain.
Today, the Bobal grape is still an important part of Spanish viticulture. The grape is mostly planted in the eastern regions of Spain, particularly in Valencia and Castilla-La Mancha. The hot, dry climate of these regions is ideal for ripening the Bobal grape to perfection. The resulting wines made from the Bobal grape are typically full-bodied and deeply colored, with firm tannins and high alcohol levels. If you're a fan of big, bold red wines, then you definitely need to try a Bobal wine from Spain!
Spain has a long and storied history when it comes to wine-making, and that history is reflected in the country's many delicious wines. From refreshing whites to full-bodied reds, there is a Spanish wine out there for everyone to enjoy. And with so many different types of grapes to choose from, you're sure to find a wine that you'll love. Salud!
If you do not want to miss anything about Spanish wines of the best quality follow us on Instagram and Facebook.