When it comes to wine, three old-world wine powerhouses spring to mind — France, Italy, and Spain. These European countries have been producing wine for centuries and are among the top wine destinations in the world. Steeped in history and winemaking traditions, these wine regions have perfected the art over the years. And you can taste it in every sip!
Spain is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and, of course, its exceptional wines. As one of the world’s oldest wine-producing countries, Spain produces a wide range of styles that reflect the country’s terroir, winemaking traditions, and grape varieties.
Join Expat Explore on a regional journey through Spain to uncover the region’s diverse wine country and the most popular Spanish wines to ignite your thirst for exploration!
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Discover the history of Spanish wine regions
With a viticultural history dating back over 5,000 years, Spain has a long and storied past when it comes to wine. While grape cultivation began around 3000 BC, it wasn’t until Phoenician traders introduced winemaking techniques from the eastern Mediterranean around 1000 BC that the industry truly took root and began to shape it into what it is today.
Today, Spain boasts more grapevines than any other nation and ranks third globally in wine production, surpassed only by France and Italy. The country’s diverse geography lends itself to a wide range of wine styles, with every region, including the islands, contributing to the nationals unique offering. While Castilla-La Mancha is home to the largest concentration of vineyards, regions like Galicia, Catalonia, Andalucia, Castilla y León, and Rioja are renowned for producing some of the best Spanish wine.
Traditionally, Spanish winemaking was characterised by rustic methods and a preference for oxidised styles and extended oak ageing. However, a transformative shift occurred in recent decades as the industry embraced modern techniques and focused more on quality. This evolution is evident not only in vineyards and wineries but also in the refined Spanish wine classification system.
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Spain’s wine classification system
Spain’s wine classifications are designed to indicate the quality and origin of a wine. This system helps consumers understand the quality level and origin of a Spanish wine they are buying. The main categories are:
Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa)
The highest level is reserved for wines of exceptional quality from specific regions with a long history of winemaking. Rioja and Priorat are the only two DOCa regions.
Denominación de Origen (DO)
The most common category indicates wines with specific characteristics linked to a defined geographic area. There are many DO regions in Spain, each with their own regulations.
Vino de la Tierra (VT)
A step below DO, these wines come from a larger geographic area and have less strict regulations.
Vino de España
The lowest category represents table wines without specific regional or quality designations.
A toast to tradition in Spain wine country
From the iconic Rioja to the hidden gems of Galicia, venturing into the world of Spanish wine regions is an exhilarating adventure for any wine lover. So let’s dive right in and discover where you should be drinking what in this diverse land.
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Galicia
Nestled in the northwest corner of Spain, Galicia is a region renowned for its lush green landscapes, rich Celtic heritage, and exceptional wines. With its Atlantic influence, Galicia boasts a unique terroir that produces wines characterised by their freshness, minerality, and aromatic complexity.
Penedès
Spaniards love their sparkling wine and have their own called Cava which is made using the same traditional method of France’s Champagne. The best Cava derives from the northeast of the country in Penedès but producers are found in various other parts of the country. To sip on the best Cava, we highly recommend a trip to Penedès!
Rioja
The most famous and internationally renowned wine region of Spain is Rioja. Here, barrel-aged red wines from Tempranillo and Garnacha are met with high acclaim from critics and consumers alike. Offering a range of styles from young and fruity to aged and complex Spanish red wines, Rioja is a must-visit wine region for any wine enthusiast!
Related: Discover Spain’s best events, such as the annual Haro Wine Battle in La Rioja!
Palomino
Sherry, the heavily fortified wine produced primarily from Palomino, is one of the oldest wines in the world and is heavily immersed in Spanish wine culture. All true Sherry comes from the vineyards around Jerez de la Frontera and the nearby coastal towns of Puerto de Santa Maria and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. These three towns form the three points of what is known as the ‘Sherry Triangle’.
Andalusia
This region boasts some of the best wineries in southern Spain. Including the historic winery of Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana and Bodegas Lustau which produces top-quality sherries and brandies.
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Spain’s red wine revolution
Red Spanish wine has received international acclaim for its robust and complex nature. Grapes such as Tempranillo, Garnacha (known as Grenache in France), and Monastrell (Mourvèdre in France) are the backbone of many of Spain’s most celebrated wines.
Where to begin your Spanish wine journey?
Barcelona, the bustling capital of Catalonia, is the perfect place to start your wine discovery! Taste your way through the most popular Spanish wine by embarking on a Spain wine tour throughout this region and see for yourself why this destination still holds a top spot among the best wine regions in the world.
Related: Experience the beauty of Barcelona when you join our Spain & Portugal Explorer tour!
Are you ready to discover the wines of Spain? Book a tour with Expat Explore and experience the best Spain has to offer!