Matt
Spanish Wine: Regions, Reds vs Whites, & Wine Tastings
It’s always a fine day for Vino, whether you’re sipping it responsibly as a regular part of your self-care routine or pairing it with delicious treats after dinner. Spanish wines are somewhat integral in Spanish culture, a tour around Madrid will show you just that.
We’re all accustomed to the fruity pitchers of sangria that are a Friday night delight or a pivotal way to quench the thirst when you’re entertaining large groups of people. However, wine in Spain has a much larger variety and can offer so much more to the budding oenophile (a connoisseur of wines).
Spanish wine classification varies from that of regular Italian or French wine. It can get a little bit confusing for the first-time Spanish wine drinker. Alas, knowledge is meant to be shared. So, we’ve jotted down everything a beginner needs to know – whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply wanting to impress your friends with a bit of expertise.
Spanish Wine Regions
Spain is known as the third-largest wine producer in the world, with about 2.4 million acres of vineyards. The country produces an average of around 33.5 million hectolitres of wine a year.
The production of Spanish wine is coupled with a somewhat strict (and puzzling) order of classification. There are about 138 different wine-producing regions throughout the country.
In order to classify within a specific standard, each wine-maker has to follow specific guidelines set out by their DO (Denominación de Origen), which is then managed by the regulation police – better known as the Consejo Regulador.
There are seven main wine regions which are then broken up into smaller bits and pieces.
- Northwest Spain: Rias Baixas, Ribeira sacra, Bierzo, Txakolina.
- Ebro and Duero River Valley: Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro, Rueda, Carinena.
- Northwestern Mediterranean coast: Cava, Priorat, Montsant.
- Southern Mediterranean: Utiel – Requena, Yecla, Jumilla, Bullas.
- Central Plateau: Mentrida, Ucles, Vinos de Madrid.
- Andalucía: Jerez, Sierras de Málaga, Montilla- Moriles.
- The Islands: Illes Canarias, Iles Baleares.
Why is the Region so Important?
The growth region plays a role in the wine classification system. Six different classification tiers dictate farming practices and techniques, along with the grapes that are allowed to be used within each region. Their specific classification links to their standard of quality.
On the other hand, the regions rely heavily on consistent farming practices. If a vineyard can cultivate grapes with high yield and good caliber – they will most likely continue using that Spanish grape varietal. It helps the farmer fight off disease or pests and combats any produce loss due to inclement weather.
This suggests to the avid wine-drinker what flavors they might expect when trying a new bottle. Since the wine can only incorporate certain grapes and those grapes can only tantalize certain taste buds.
Spanish Wine Classifications
This is different from regular wine classification by grape. Usually, if you’re buying a cabernet sauvignon, you can trust that those grapes will be among the bouquet of flavors you shall be drinking.
If you’re looking for your favorite pinotage, merlot, or shiraz, you’re looking for the name of the grape or cultivar to find the type of wine.
Although, in Spain, each tier allocates a different classification and there are certain standards that each region has to obey to fall under this level of classification. Let’s learn some Spanish while addressing the basic classification statuses.
- Vino de Mesa, (Table wine) – The lowest status given to wine-makers who source their grapes from other regions of Spain, or around the world. Doesn’t necessarily mean “bad wine” but there is little to no regulation within this classification.
- Vino de la Tierra, (Country wine) – VdT makes up about 46 regions throughout Spain. Slightly better than Spanish table wine, yet still has little regulation.
- Vino de Calidad con Indicación Geográfica, (Quality wine with Geographic Indication) – This is a transitional status as many VdT’s attempts to move on to their DO status.
- Denominación de Origen, (Domination of Origin) – The basic standard of “good” wine. The DO could also be considered as a type of brand. One that is highly regulated and has strict rules for farming techniques employed in the grape production stage through to the bottling and aging phases of wine production. If a winery would like to join a specific DO, they have to fall within that region. They will also have to follow strict protocols as laid out by the Consejo regulador (Regulatory Council).
- Denominación de Origen Calificada, (Qualified denomination of origin) – Once a wine-maker has fulfilled DO standards for a solid 10 years without falter, they may be allowed into this very exclusive tier. Currently, only two regions hold the title, namely La Rioja (since 1991), and Priorat (since 2009).
- Vino de Pago, (Estate wines) – This category was included once Spain joined the EU, in order to align standards across Europe. It specifically applies to estates and vineyards. It does not have to apply to regions.
The region, along with the classification, is what you should be looking for when purchasing a bottle of wine. Higher tiers mean a better quality which in short might mean a slight price increase.
Although, that doesn’t mean a lower quality wine will always be terrible. Taste is subjective. Regardless of what your local sommelier tells you, you’re allowed to like what you like.
Spanish Wine Types: Red, White, or Sparkling?
Lo and behold, Spain does not only nurture red wine! We say nurture because their winemaking philosophy revolves around nourishment over mass production. It seems that the Spaniards have a oneness with the process, that comes from a long-standing tradition built parallel with quality.
Spanish Wines and Ageing
You might see one of these labels on your bottle as well. It relates to the age of the wine in both barrel and bottle. There are varying age gradings according to the status classification. It seems the Spanish wine industry loves labels. But this essentially helps you to understand how fruity or flavorful your wine will be.
Younger bottles will have primary or secondary notes and they might be moderately more pungent than a more mature bottle. Alcohol and the acidity of the grapes are in constant motion within the barrels and bottles. The flavor is always changing. Most people tend to agree that the more mature wines are more refined.
Terms to look out for from youngest to oldest:
- Vino Noble, Vino Añejo, and Vino Vieja (usually lower classed wines)
- Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, (usually from DO onwards)
Quick and Easy Spanish Wine List
La Rioja has been the most popular of wines from Spain. Mostly because of its longevity but also because of its quality. Although many others rival this flavorful red.
Priorat, another Spanish red wine, which has been called evocative several times.
Verdejo, a beautifully light-bodied white wine.
Cava, sparkling wine which is the Spanish counterpart to French Champagne.
These are among the best Spanish wines out there. It’s not a comprehensive Spanish wine list, but it’s enough to get you started.
Quick Tip: How to Order Popular Spanish Wines
Use these handy Spanish words for wine whenever you’re at a restaurant.
- Rosado – Rosé
- Tinto – Red
- Blanco – White
- Cava – Sparkling wine (Spanish Champagne)
- Jerez (he-res) – Sherry
- Vermouth – Vermouth
They’ll most likely bring you whatever they’ve got on hand (or on tap if you’re ordering vermouth). It’s only polite to check with your waiter which local wines they have in-house. You wouldn’t go to your grandmother’s and eat her neighbor’s cooking, would you?
Spanish Wine Tasting
Whether you’re asking for the spittoon or not, wine tasting is fun for almost everyone. Spain has something for all tastes, from wine tours through Barcelona to Seville’s tapas and wine pairings. Wine Tours are an absolute must while in Spain.
But, What is Spanish Wine Without Spanish Tapas?
Tapas are usually served throughout the night in bars and restaurants around Spain. Instead of a big bulky plate of food, you’re offered one or two plates of munchable snacks, at a time. The rule of thumb with any wine-tasting is to always start with light-bodied wines and lighter food before cruising your way up to heavier tastes and flavors.
Vermouth is a great way to start your tasting. If you’re a lover of pickled things, this aperitif will leave you feeling warm and ready for the wine-derful adventure that awaits. Some people suggest certain pairings as a standard. Like sherry with salmon, followed by Txakoli with seafood or Rosada with tostas and cured meat.
There are about a hundred different ways to pair good food with great Spanish wine. The key is to make sure that you’re keeping in mind their location. Remember, that Spain is super-charged with tradition and long-term values. Good food and wine are a staple and so the location of your wine can help determine which tapas you should get.
A Final Word on Spanish Wine
That’s quite a bit of information for wine, isn’t it? Well, it’s only the beginning. When you’re in Spain or enjoying your tours through all the major cities (including a wine tasting in Madrid, of course, you’ll have some basic information to help you pick out the perfect wine or figure out the best tapas.
Ultimately, there are years of tradition and hard work that have gone into your next glass of Spanish wine. As much as we appreciate the beverage, we can’t help but appreciate the heritage too.
Our hostess Paula was the nicest person ever, really considerate and sweet. Showed us some really amazing places where you can get really good wine and food!! And we had the most amazing group ever, met a lot of new people around the world. We even went for drinks after the tour. Really do recommend for everyone who wants to meet new people and have a great food/wine tour in Madrid.
Alfonso did a great job of taking us around to several wineries and giving the history of wine in Spain. Since I ended up getting sick prior to the tour, we were unsure of whether to even go, but our tour was great and we are very glad that we took the chance to go on it.
Thank you Alberto for a great visit to a Casa Cicilia vinery. We learnt a lot about grapes and wine qualities, and also had good tips for places to visit. San Juan beach, check and Elche with a lovely palm park, check Good local knowledge, good English, friendly guide!! Loistava retki hyvän oppaan johdolla, kiitos. This was Finnish
We did the afternoon 3-wine tasting. Each wine was different and uniquely delightful! We had trouble deciding which was our favorite! The small platter of cheese, meats and olives was also good. The tasting was in a wine shop and we were able to learn a lot about Spanish wines. Would absolutely sign up for this again!
We had a fabulous day with our guide Alberto, he was very friendly, informative and interesting. It was my self, my husband and 3 children (27, 25 and 18) and one of there partners. Not only did he do the wine tour and tasting (which he was very knowledgeable about) but he told us lots about the local area and Spain on the way to the tour and on the way back. He even dropped us at a very good tapas bar (reccomended by him) afterwards which finished off the day perfectly. Highly recommend to anyone.
Our expectations have been exceeded in many ways. It was a great experience for us to get to know the country and its people directly, but above all to get to know each other. Unfortunately, there are too many reports about the negative aspects on this beautiful island, for which we “the tourists” are mostly responsible. This day, this tour but especially Michael our tour guide, presented us with a few aspects of the face, the beauty and above all the value of this island. In no other way would we have learned so much about the history, the economic aspects, the life and the diversity of this wonderful island in such a short time (approx. 9 hours). It was a blessing for me and my family to experience this day with Michael and Maria his colleague. We say THANK YOU again!
100 points for this day trip. Our guide Michael reported on the previous evening via WhatsApp. The next morning he picked us up right at the hotel. While driving to the Sineu market, he told us a lot about the history of Mallorca. After a short stroll through the beautiful market, we continued to the first winery. There followed a cellar tour and lots of information about the local grape making and subsequent wine tasting. For lunch Michael led us to a local restaurant, where we had a delicious meal. We went on to 2 other wineries, the last of which had a breathtaking view of the Tramuntana mountains. We were TOP satisfied, had a perfect day and would highly recommend this excursion to every Mallorca guest. Thanks again to Michael !!!!
The experience was excellent. The shop and venue for the tasting was really nice, wines excellent and the snacks a lovely addition. Vivian was an excellent host and guided us well through the wines. The price for the experience was excellent and I would highly recommend this when visiting Barcelona.
A BIG thank you to Enrique our tour guide! He was very professional, spoke excellent English, and was very informative. He was polite, fun, and very knowledgeable about wine. He had a very nice relationship with all the owners of the Vineyards. Peral wine was awesome –we LOVED Antonio the owner! Consuelo was a very lovely woman with delicious wine and olive oil. I wish we could have bought more wine, however, we are only allotted 3 bottles on our airline.
Our guide Enrique was top notch, adding a lot of value and knowledge to each of our stops-he really made the trip a lot of fun. Each of three facilities we visited were fascinating and (since it was harvest time) gave us a real feel for the wine making process. The hosts at each location were highly hospitable and generous with their time & tastings- all wine tastings were accompanied by snacks ( e.g. bread, cheese, and chorizo). We had the option to buy any wine we tasted and liked. After our visits to the bodegas, we enjoyed a traditional Spanish lunch (comida) with the beverage of our choice (price was extra but well worth it!). We capped off our day with a visit to the Chinchon Castle with fabulous vistas of the country side and Madrid.