| If you think of Spain, bullfights, paella and flamenco | | | | Rueda for some delicious dry whites, including |
| probably spring to mind. Rioja may also feature well | | | | Albarino and Verdejo, as well as Sauvignon Blanc. In |
| up your list and rightly so, as it contributes to a vast | | | | central Spain and to the South, try the regions of La |
| proportion of Spain’s wine exports and is almost | | | | Mancha, Yecla and Jumilla for a selection of dry |
| certainly one of, if not, the most well known wine to | | | | Spanish whites and fruity reds. The South is, of |
| come out of the country. However Rioja isn’t | | | | course, famous for its Sherry production. |
| the only wine that Spain produces by any stretch of | | | | Grapes |
| the imagination. Take time to get to explore the | | | | There are a huge number of grapes grown in Spain, |
| diverse range of stunning Spanish wines on offer - | | | | including many international varieties, such as Merlot, |
| you are sure to be in for a real treat! | | | | Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and |
| Legendary Rioja | | | | Chardonnay. Alongside these, you’ll also come |
| Rioja is named after the region in which it is grown | | | | across a range of exciting native wines, including |
| and is made predominantly from Tempranillo and | | | | Albarino, Tempranillo, Monastrell, Macabeo, Parellada |
| Garnacha. It produces a very fruity red wine, with | | | | and Xarel-Lo. |
| caramel, and often oak, flavours. It is a great | | | | Understanding the Lingo |
| match for rich red meat such as roast lamb. It is | | | | Certain terms are used on Spanish wines to describe |
| probably worth bearing in mind, however, that | | | | how old the wine is and how long it has been aged in |
| because of its reputation, Rioja can often command | | | | oak barrels. These are also indications of the quality |
| high prices meaning that, while you’ll be getting a | | | | of the wine, so it’s worth taking the time to |
| great tasting bottle of Spanish wine, you won’t | | | | learn what they mean. “Vino Juven” literally |
| necessarily be getting the greatest value for money | | | | means young wine. It is bottled the year after |
| in the world. | | | | it’s grown and is sold immediately. |
| Value Regions | | | | “Crianza” indicates that the wine has been |
| If value for money is your thing then you might want | | | | aged for two years, and spent at least six months in |
| to look to Navarra, the neighbouring region to Rioja. | | | | oak (12 in Rioja) and is a relatively easy drinking and |
| It produces some great tasting Spanish wines, similar | | | | young wine. “Reserva” means that the |
| to those coming out of Rioja, but without the price | | | | wine has been aged for three years and spent a |
| tag. Also in the North, is Priorato, which is doing big | | | | minimum of one of those years in oak. Finally |
| things with some of the international grapes, such as | | | | “Gran Reserva” indicates that the wine has |
| Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, as well as | | | | been cellared for five years with at least two in oak |
| Tempranillo and Garnacha. Look to Riax Baixas and | | | | and is considered a high quality, mature wine. |