Spanish Wine Regions
Spanish Wine Regions:
Statistics
Wineries: 5,500
Area under vine:
1.2 million hectares
Production volume per annum:
33 million hectolitres
Ribero del Duero
This region now rivals Rioja as the most
exciting wine region of Spain. Its wines are big and bold with lots of
chunky fruits. It is the home of the Vega Sicilia - Spain's most famous
wine with yields as low as 18 hectolitres per hectare and made entirely
from french grapes with a tiny addition of Tempranillo. Superb.
Rioja
If anything, Spain's Rioja was too
successful and the Spanish people are now trying to convince the world
that they have other wine regions. The region takes its name from the Rio
Oja which is one of the tributaries of the river Ebro. The region of Rioja
actually evolved out of its trade with Bordeaux during the time of
Phylloxera the disease which destroys the roots of the vines before one
realises it has attacked.
Penedes
Situated south of Barcelona this region produces elegant light wines,
mainly white but the reds are fast gaining popularity.
Jerez
The
unique wine that is Sherry comes from an area of Spain called Jerez in the
hot dry Southwest of the country. Sherry is a very underrated quality wine
and comes in a variety of styles from very dry - 'Fino' and 'Manzanilla',
through to the medium styles of 'Amontillado' and dry 'Oloroso' to the
ultra rich sweet cream Sherries.
Rias Baxas
Mainly a white wine area produced from the Albarino Grape. Some fantastic
wines which taste like some of the good barrel fermented Chardonnay's
Valdepeñas
The name means 'The Valley of Stones'. Again
this region has very hot humid summers and cold winters. Some excellent
Reserva and Gran Reserva wines using 100% Tempranillo and extremely good
value for money.
Navarra
Navarra is situated next door to Rioja, and
produces 2 different styles of wine: traditional styles using indigenous
grapes; and modern styles like Palacio de La Vega and Ochoa using French
grapes along with the Spanish varieties. The quality of wine produced in
this region has increased immensely . Lots of ripe approachable fruit with
intense flavours and firm structure. The best are capable of ageing. Tempranillo has become the preferred variety for red wine production.
Rueda
Mainly a white wine producing area make from
100% Verdejo grape. Good Sauvignon Blanc made in this area. Costers del Segres
Another newly created wine area situated around the town of
Lerida.
Alongside the Spanish grapes you will find Cabernet Sauvignon and
Chardonnay growing. These grapes have adapted well to the area and are
producing some extraordinary good wines, eg Raimat Estate. La Mancha
Situated almost in the centre of Spain with
extremes of temperatures - hot summers and very cold winters. Ten years
ago La Mancha was producing large quantities of cheap table wine but
lately we have seen a cut back in production and an increase in quality.
Priorato
Producing unique and truly Spanish wine,
Priorato is one of the great red wines of Spain. Rich, robust wine
full of ripe fruit with great body and structure. Delicious.
Somontano
Another up and coming wine region situated
at the foothills of the Pyrenees supporting lots of young dedicated
winemakers . This is an area to watch for the future. Ribeiro
Located in the north-west corner of Spain on
the Portuguese border, this region produces fine quality white wines and
some very pleasant light reds. Valencia
Large scale production of table reds,
whites and rosés plus Moscatel dessert white wines.
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