A Guide to the Best Wines from Spain

Spain is a country known for its rich history and culture, but it is also home to some of the world’s best wines. Wine enthusiasts and foodies alike will be delighted to know that there are plenty of opportunities to explore the country’s diverse wine regions and sample some of the finest wines in the world.

From Rioja in the north to Jerez in the south, from crisp whites to robust reds, you’ll be sure to find something that will tantalize your taste buds! So grab a glass and join us as we explore Spain’s best wine regions and discover some truly unique wines.

Here are our top picks for wine lovers looking for an unforgettable experience in Spain.

Spain has a diverse range of red wines to offer, with each region producing its own unique style.

Here are the top 5 red wines in Spain, based on their popularity and reputation among wine enthusiasts:

Rioja:

Rioja is the most well-known and popular wine region in Spain, producing medium to full-bodied red wines made primarily from the Tempranillo grape. Rioja wines are aged in oak barrels, which gives them a distinct vanilla and spicy flavor, and pair well with hearty, meaty dishes such as roasted lamb, grilled steak, and aged cheeses.
The region is known for producing some of the best red wines in Spain, with notable wineries including Marqués de Riscal, Bodegas Muga, and La Rioja Alta.

Ribera del Duero:

Ribera del Duero is another prominent wine region in Spain, located in the Castilla y León region. This region produces full-bodied red wines made from the Tempranillo grape, with a rich, smoky flavor and notes of black cherry and plum. Ribera del Duero wines pair well with grilled meats, stews, and aged cheeses.
Some of the top wineries in Ribera del Duero include Vega Sicilia, Pingus, and Dominio de Pingus.

Priorat:

Located in Catalonia, Priorat is a small but prestigious wine region that produces bold, complex red wines made primarily from the Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan) grapes grown in soil with a high content of mica, called ‘Lllicorella’, which reflects the sun.Priorat wines, with their deep, dark color, high alcohol content, and rich, jammy fruit flavors, pair well with rich, hearty dishes such as beef stew, roasted game meats, and grilled lamb.
Notable wineries in Priorat include Clos Mogador, Alvaro Palacios, and Mas Doix.

Bierzo:

Bierzo is a wine region located in northwest Spain, known for its elegant, medium-bodied red wines made from the Mencía grape. These wines have a bright, fruity flavor with a hint of spice and minerality. Pair Bierzo Mencia with hard cheeses and cured meats, grilled chicken and vegetables.
Some of the top wineries in Bierzo include Descendientes de J. Palacios, Dominio de Tares, and Pittacum.

Toro:

Toro is a wine region located in the Castilla y León region of Spain, known for its full-bodied red wines made from the Tinta de Toro grape (a local clone of Tempranillo). These wines have a rich, concentrated flavor with notes of black fruit and a firm tannic structure.
Like most Tempranillo wines, pair Toro with red meat, lamb, or grilled pork.
Top wineries in Toro include Numanthia, San Roman, and Maurodos.

Overall, Spain has a lot to offer when it comes to red wines, with each region producing its own unique style and flavor profile. Whether you prefer a full-bodied, oak-aged Rioja or a complex, juicy Priorat, there’s a red wine in Spain that is sure to suit your taste.

Spain isn’t just red wines but is also known for its delicious and diverse white wines, ranging from crisp and refreshing to rich and complex. 

Here are the top 5 white wines in Spain that are worth trying:

Cava:

Our motto: You can never go wrong starting with a sparkling.

Cava is a type of sparkling wine that is produced primarily in the Catalonia region of Spain and can be made from several grape varieties, including Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The exact blend of grapes used in cava production can vary depending on the producer and the region.

It is made using the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle, which is the same method used to produce Champagne in France. The production of cava is strictly regulated by the Consejo Regulador del Cava, which is the governing body that oversees the production of the wine. To be labeled as cava, the wine must be aged on the lees for a minimum of nine months, although many producers choose to age their wines for much longer periods.

Cava wines can be produced in a range of styles, from bone dry to sweet, and are typically labeled according to their sugar content. The driest styles are known as “Brut Nature,” while the sweetest styles are labeled as “Dulce.”

Cava is a popular and affordable alternative to Champagne and is widely enjoyed both in Spain and around the world. It is often served as an aperitif or paired with a variety of foods, including seafood, cured meats, and Spanish-style tapas.

Albariño:

Albariño is a white grape variety that is mainly grown in the Rías Baixas region of Galicia, located in the northwest of Spain. The wine produced from this grape is dry, aromatic, and has refreshing acidity. It has a characteristic peach, apricot, and citrus flavor with a mineral finish that pairs wonderfully with fish and shellfish, lighter meats, and salads.
Some of the top Albariño producers in Spain are Pazo de Señorans, Martin Codax, and Fillaboa.

Verdejo:

Verdejo is a white grape variety that is grown in the Rueda region of central Spain. Verdejo wines are known for their light and fresh taste, with citrus and stone fruit flavors and a slightly herbaceous, fennel aroma. Food pairings that work well might be on the lighter side with shellfish, chicken, and fresh cheeses.
Notable producers of Verdejo include José Pariente, Belondrade y Lurton, and Naia.

Viura:

Viura is a white grape variety that is widely grown in Rioja and other wine regions across Spain. The wine made from Viura grapes is crisp and refreshing with a fruity flavor and a hint of acidity, but can also be aged on oak for a more full-bodied wine. Becuase the wine can vary from light and crisp to richer on the palate, it can also pair well with several types of foods. Consider paella as a terrific food pairing for Viura.
Some of the top Viura producers in Spain include Bodegas Bilbainas, Marqués de Murrieta, and Remelluri.

Godello:

Godello is a rare white grape variety that is mainly grown in the Valdeorras region of Galicia. Godello wines are rich and full-bodied with a floral aroma and flavors of apricot, peach, and apple. Pair with hearty seafood dishes and chicken.
Some of the top Godello producers in Spain are Rafael Palacios, Godeval, and Valdesil.

So, the next time you’re browsing the wine aisle, don’t forget about Spain and be sure to give one of these top white wines a try.

Jerez – Sherry: 

Of course, we can’t talk about Spanish wines without including Sherry. Located in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, Jerez is a wine region known for its sherry wines. Made from the Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel grapes, this fortified wine has a history that dates back to the 16th century. The winemaking process is unique and complicated, but fascinating. Read more about the process of making sherry using a solera system. 

We’re such big fans of Spanish red wines for their complexity, age-worthiness, and value, and the white wines of Spain are delicious, food-friendly, and a staple in our wine fridge.

If you’re ready to learn more and experience Spanish wines first-hand, get in touch with one of our wine tours and start planning your trip to Spain.