It is probably a surprise to you, but Spain outranks both France and Italy in having the most land under vine in the world.  Spain is a mountainous sun-drenched land of great red wine values.  It is a country of regional diversity reflected in wines ranging from sherry and sparkling cava, to light, dry whites and rich, heavy reds. 

We always associate Spain with terrific bargain reds, but their higher end wines are some of our favorite treats.

Grapes grown in Spain

Different wine regions of Spain grow a variety of grapes, many of them indigenous.  Local white varieties include:
Albarino, Viura, Verdejo (same as Verdello), and Palomino (which is used to make Sherry),
Major red varieties include:
Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache), and Monastrell (Mourvedre/Mataro)
International grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc are becoming increasingly important. 

Spanish White Wines
Most Spanish white wines are dull and boring, but there are some unique and enjoyable ones out there, almost all of them fermented in stainless steel tanks rather than in oak cask. 

Spanish Red Wines
If you prefer a healthy dose of oak on your red wines, you’re in luck, for nearly all Spanish reds are oaked to some degree.  You can think of oak as a marinade for wine—it adds flavor.  Wooden barrels are used as vessels for fermenting and storing wine, and the wood imparts subtle flavors and can round out the corners of a wine. 

Rioja is Spain’s finest and most well-known wine region.  The Rioja produces mostly red wines, which are made from Tempranillo.  This is Spain’s most widely planted grape varietal that is associated with quality wine.  It makes a wine that is medium-to full bodied with aromas and flavors including cherry, currants, spice, vanilla, and chocolate. 

But there is a world of Spanish reds beyond Rioja.   Another important region that is challenging the Rioja is Ribera del Duero.  Tempranillo is the principal red grape grown in this broad river valley, but it goes under the local name of Tinto.

Importers to Trust
If you often feel lost and intimidated by European wines, and want an easy way to determine which wines to try, look for the importer.    It’s simpler to get to know a handful of importers than hundreds of wineries. If you look at the back label of a Spanish bottle, and see “Imported by Jorge Ordonez” or “an Eric Solomon selection”, the bottle you are holding is a safe bet.  These two guys have solid portfolios.  Jorge is known for clever marketing.  Ole Imports also brings in a number of quality Spanish wines. 

Wines of the Month
Girls on Grapes member receive 15% of the purchase of these wines in June. Stop in, stock up, and sip away!