Welcome to the magical world of Spanish wines, where history and tradition blend with innovation and modernity to create some of the most exquisite and exciting wines in the world. From the rolling hills of Rioja to the sun-kissed vineyards of Priorat, Spain is a treasure trove of diversity and quality when it comes to wine.
Let us begin our journey in the heart of Spain, in the regions of Ribera del Duero & Rioja. Here, the star grape variety is Tempranillo, known locally as Tinta del País. It is a grape that produces wines of great depth, complexity, and elegance. Some of the top producers in Ribera del Duero include Vega Sicilia, & one of our favourites Goyo Garcia each crafting wines that express the unique character of the region. From Rioja with have the icpninc wines of producers like Remelluri & Lopez De Heredia
Moving on to the Sierra de Gredos region, we find Comando G, a small family-run winery that has gained a cult following among wine enthusiasts. Their wines are made with the utmost respect for nature and tradition, resulting in wines that express the essence of the terroir. Comando G is one of the top producers in Sierra de Gredos, crafting wines that are elegant, complex, and deeply rooted in the region.
Moving to the south we have Andalucia! The land of flamenco, tapas, and of course, wine. And when it comes to wine, there's nothing quite like the sherries of this sun-drenched region. One of the top producers in Andalucia is Bodegas El Maestro Sierra, known for their impeccable Fino & Amontillado sherries. As well ass their nuanced Olorosso and Concentrated PX. Another couple of notable producers are Luis Perez & Bodegas De La Riva who craft wonderful Vino De Pasto, an unfortified flor aged white made from Palomino Fino grapes. These wines are complex and full of character, perfect for sipping alongside some salty almonds or aged cheese.
In the northwestern region of Galicia, we find a different kind of wine, one that is light, fresh, and full of personality. Albariño is the grape variety that reigns supreme here, producing wines that are crisp, aromatic, and lively. Some of the top producers in Galicia include Bodegas Albamar, Augalevada, Forjes Del Salnes to name a few, each crafting wines that reflect the unique character of the region.
Moving to the Canary Islands and we have some wonderful Terroir driven wines full of Volcanic charm. Envinate and Suertes del Marques are two highly respected wineries located on the volcanic island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Envinate focuses on crafting wines that showcase the character of the vineyards, using old vines grown on steep hillsides, resulting in wines with a distinct mineral taste with iconic cuvees such as Palo Blanco. Suertes del Marques is committed to organic and biodynamic farming practices, using traditional winemaking techniques to produce a range of wines, including whites, reds, and rosés, all made from grapes grown in the Valle de la Orotava region of Tenerife and produce the stunning cuvees like 7 Fuentes and Trenzado. Both wineries are renowned for their high-quality, unique wines, which have garnered praise from critics and wine enthusiasts alike.
And finally moving to Cataluyna where we find the wonderful wines of Priorat from producers like Familia Nin Ortiz and we enter the historical heartland of Cava. It's hard to talk about Spanish wines without mentioning Cava, Spain's answer to Champagne. Recaredo is one of the top producers of who used to produce under the Cava name making wines of exceptional quality and complexity. But they have since decided that the Cava name wasnt giving their wines enough recognition so with 8 of the other top Sparkling wine producers in the historic Cav heartland of Penedes they formed Corpinnat. Under this label the wines must be:
- From Penedes
- Organically Farmed
- Manually Harvested
- Vinified on the premises
- Aged for a minimum of 18 months
- Committed to using historical varieties
- Own their own vineyards
Their commitment to biodynamic farming and low intervention winemaking has resulted in wines that are both elegant and expressive. Each bottle of Recaredo is a celebration of the rich heritage and tradition of Cava, and a testament to the endless possibilities of Spanish wine.
Obviously this is just scratching the surface but Spanish wines are a journey of discovery, a testament to the diversity and complexity of the terroir, and a celebration of the rich history and tradition of winemaking in Spain. Whether you prefer powerful and intense wines or light and fresh ones, Spain has something to offer for every palate. So, grab a bottle of your favourite Spanish wine, sit back, and let yourself be transported to the enchanting world of Spanish wine. Salud!