Spain

For a long time, wine was not valued in the international market, because the quality allows it to be used only locally. However, in the 20th century, the situation changed, and new laws greatly improved the quality of wine. The first official appeal was in Rioja, today there are 39. Since Spanish winemaking is several thousand years old, a large number of national grape varieties are grown here. Red wines (tinto) are made from carignano, garnacha, tempranillo, whites (blanco) – mosquito, ariena, albranillo. Spain is also famous for its sparkling wine called cava. The world-famous strip wine is produced in Andalusia. Many grapes and wines with different flavors grow in different soils and climates. Geography of Spanish wines There are several regions where high-quality Spanish wines are produced: Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Valencia, Catalonia, La Mancha, Navarra, Valdepianz, Penedès. Each is divided into sub-regions, and it should be noted that the wine can be very different within the same province. The main regions of Spanish winemaking are Rioja (excellent wines from tempranillo), Ribera del Duero, Navarra, Priorat. Like French and Italian wines, Spanish wines are considered classics of world winemaking, so we definitely recommend trying them. Spain is the third world wine country. The ancient Romans and Carthaginians began to make Spanish wine, and this was almost five thousand years ago. Modern winemakers preserve centuries-old traditions – Spanish wine is often aged for a long time in oak barrels. Both white Spanish wine and red wine age in oak barrels. The most common Spanish wines are red based on Tempranillo, Garnacha (French Grenache), Monastrell grape varieties. White Spanish wine is made from Garnacha Blanca, Malvasio, Macabeo grapes. In total, about 90 varieties of grapes are grown in Spain. Classification of Spanish wines The classification of Spanish wines was developed in 1970. Later, the approved system is still used today. Thus, Spanish wines are divided into: Vino de Mesa – table wines made from several types of grapes, such as French Vin de Table and Italian Vino da Tavola; Vino de la tierra – local wines. The label contains information about the manufacturer, the year of the grape and the crop; Similar to Vin de Pays in France and IGT in Italy. Denominacion de Origen (DO) – This category includes Spanish wines with grapes managed by origin. Each wine region has a Council that monitors compliance with grape growing and wine production technology. DO wine bottles must bear the seal of the Council. An analogue of French AOC and Italian DOC wines. Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOC) is one of the best Spanish wines produced in prestigious areas. Today, the best Spanish wine worthy of the DOC label is produced only in the regions of Rioja, Priorat and Ribera del Duero. In Spain, the classification of wines by age is available in Rioja and is as follows: Joven (or sin crianza) – young, old Spanish wine; Crianza – Old Spanish wine The aging period for reds is at least 2 years, for whites and roses – at least 1 year, and for wines in this category it is typical to age six months in oak barrels; Reserve – at least 3 years for reds, at least 2 years for whites and pinks; Gran Reserva – the best wines in Spain, red varieties for 5 or more years, whites – for 4 years. In all cases, aged Spanish wines spend at least six months in oak barrels, which gives the wine a special taste.