Spain, a country with a rich wine-making tradition, occupies one of the leading positions on the world wine scene. The wine culture here dates back more than two thousand years, and every bottle of Spanish wine carries a piece of this centuries-old heritage. In this article, we will look at popular Spanish wines, grape varieties and price range.
Popular Wines of Spain
Rioja
One of Spain’s most famous wine regions is Rioja. Primarily produced from the Tempranillo variety, Rioja wines are known for their intense flavour and ability to age. They come in three types: Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva, which are distinguished by their aging time in oak barrels and bottles.
Ribera del Duero (Ribera del Duero)
Ribera del Duero, located on the banks of the Duero River, is known for its powerful and full-bodied red wines. The main grape variety here is also Tempranillo, which the locals call “Tinto Fino”. The wines of this region are often distinguished by their deep colour and rich bouquet of aromas.
Cava
Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine produced mainly in Catalonia. Its production process is similar to Champagne and it is made from grapes such as Macabeo, Parellada and Charello. Cava can be either white or rosé, and it is known for its fresh and fruity flavour.
Sherry
Sherry is a unique fortified wine produced in the Jerez de la Frontera region. It comes in a variety of styles, from dry Fino to sweet Pedro Jiménez. The sherry production process involves a special solera technique that gives the wine its characteristic flavour and aroma.
Grape varieties
Tempranillo.
Tempranillo is the king of Spanish vineyards and is used to produce most of Spain’s red wines. This variety is known for its ability to age well, making it ideal for aged wines.
Garnacha
Garnacha, or Grenache, is one of the most common grape varieties in Spain. It is used for both red and rosé wines. Garnacha gives the wine a fruity and slightly spicy flavour.
Albariño (Albariño).
Albariño is a popular white grape variety grown in Galicia, especially in the Rias Baixas region. Albariño wines are characterised by freshness, citrus notes and good acidity.
Macabeo
Macabeo, also known as Viura, is the main variety for the production of Cava and white wines in Rioja. Macabeo wines have a light and fresh flavour with floral and fruity notes.
Wine Prices
Spanish wine prices can vary greatly depending on the region, grape variety, and ageing. The following are approximate price categories:
Economy Segment
Wines from this segment typically cost between €5 and €15 per bottle. This category includes young Rioja wines, some Ribera del Duero wines and many wines from the La Mancha and Navarre regions.
Medium Segment
Medium category wines typically cost between €15 and €40 per bottle. Here you can find quality Crianza and Reserva from Rioja, aged wines from Ribera del Duero and some wines from Priorat and Toros.
Premium Segment
Prices for premium wines can start from 40 euros and go up to several hundred euros per bottle. This category includes Gran Reserva from Rioja, some exceptional wines from Ribera del Duero and Priorat, and rare Cava and Sherry.
Conclusion
Spain is a country with a rich wine heritage, offering a wide range of wines to suit all tastes and budgets. From the classic red wines of Rioja and Ribera del Duero to sparkling Cava and unique Sherry, there is something for everyone. Immersing yourself in the world of Spanish wine, you can not only enjoy the exquisite flavours, but also touch the centuries-old history and culture of this wonderful country.