Sources: Snooth, Inc. and Great Wines of Spain.
Tempranillo (red): are typically more on the acidic side and range between medium to full-bodied. There is a wide range in characteristics depending upon the length of aging; the younger Tempranillos tend toward the tannic (chemical actions resulting from the grape skin, seed, and stems being included in the aging process) side giving off a bitter, dry taste. The tannins dissipate as the aging time is extended, leaving more of a balanced fuller bodied wine with hints of berries, and earthy aromas. The alcohol content can range between 12.5 – 14% and is influenced by the length of aging.
Garnacha (red): often used as blends with the Tempranillos, darker, fruitier and more toward the upper end of alcohol content. They age well, which is why they are a good blend with the Tempranillo.
Graciano (red): have a similar legacy as the Garnacha.
Albarino (white): tend to be also more acidic, but light and crisp, typically displaying a bouquet of fresh fruits. This is a wine that definitely pairs well with fish and shellfish.
Verdejo (white): has a superior balance to the Albarino and is of a higher quality. This wine is a bit sweeter, and less acidic and is full of fruity flavors and aromas.Cava (white): Produces sparkling wines along the same lines as Champagne. The style ranges from very dry to sweet and is bottled as “vintage” or “nonvintage”, blended from wines of the same year and blends from wines of multiple years, respectively. The word “Cava” means cave in Spanish.
