While there are some 54 recognized wine regions in Spain, I have only highlighted 6 of the major ones. (For more inclusive information regarding all of Spain's wine producing regions, please refer to the "Interactive Links" section located on my homepage.)
- Rioja (ree-oh-HAH)
- Awarded Spain’s highest classification of quality wines, the Denominacion de Origen Calificada, this region is renowned for its predominant use of Tempranillo grapes in producing outstanding red wines which are aged 4 – 10 years, on the average, before being released. (MacNeil, 2001).
- This region is divided into three (3) subregions, (Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, and Rioja Baja) each producing a slightly different character. The first two, Alavesa and Alta, are at higher elevations and closer to the northern coast, providing the grapes a cooler and more moderate climate and soil condition for growing. The majority of red wine produced from here is either a 100% tempranillo (the most predominant grape of this region) or a blended varietal consisting of tempranillo, garnacha, manzuelo, and/or graciano grapes. The third region, Rioja Baja, is lower in elevation and in a warmer and much drier climate. This region produces wines which are characterized with reduced acidity, higher alcohol content, and being of a lesser quality than the other two regions. (Kissack, 2011).
- Rias Baixas (ree-ez BUY-shez)
- A comparatively smaller wine region, it is located in Galicia in the northwestern corner of Spain (Buster, 2010). Surrounded on the west and north by the Atlantic Ocean, the climate is wet and requires the bodegas to take additional steps in protecting the vines from mold and mildew.
- An exclusive producer of superior quality white wines made from the Albarino grape varietal which are bottle aged, rather than in oak barrels.
- Another distinction of this region is that the name of the grape, Albarino, appears far more prominently on the bottle's label than does the region name, Rias Baixas (MacNeil, 2001). All other Spanish wine labels provide the name of the region, not the grape; another example of the French influence on Spain's wine industry.
- Ribera del Duero (ree-BEHR-ah dell doo-AY-row)
- A wine region located just north of the Spanish capital of Madrid. An almost exclusive producer of red wine, this region is best known for its use of the Tinto Fino grape (from the same family vine as Tempranillo grape, so predominant in the Rioja region) varietal. The Garnacha grape is also used in a very minor role for the production of locally consumed reds and some minorly impressive Rose wines (MacNeil, 2001).
- Penedes (pay-nay-DEHS)
- This region is located on the northeastern coastal area of Spain, bracketed between high plateaus and the Mediterranean Sea. The Penedes region comprises three (3) distinct counties, the Alt Penedes, Middle Penedes, and Baix Penedes. With such variance in elevations and climatic conditions, Penedes produces both red and white wines of character.
- The primary grape varietals found in this region are: whites - Macaebeo (also known as Viura) has a fruityness and higher acidity levels; Parellada is primary grape for producing the Cava wines. The reds are represented primarily by the Carinena (also known as Mazuelo in the Rioja region) which has higher alcohol and tannin levels, and Ull de Llebre ("eye of the hare") which is the regional name for Tempranillo grapes (MacNeil, 2001).
- The production of white wine predominates that of the reds, and the region’s main focus is in the production of Cava (sparkling) wines; very similar to Champagne (MacNeil, 2001). Such concentration that the Cava wine has received it own governmental endorsement, Denominacion de Origen (DO), according to Great Wines from Spain.
- Personally, I am very fond of one bodega in particular from this region, Torres. They produce a wonderfully full bodied red wine, Sangre de Toro. If you are not familiar with many of the Spanish wines, this is a great "starter" wine, with a list price of under $10.
- Priorato (pree-oh-RAH-toe)
- Priorat is also a region of contrast in winemaking. Many vineyards of the old tradition continue to produce excellent red wine using the garnacha and carinena grapes. The younger bodegas produce a blended red wine that is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Garnacha grape.
- Generally, wines from this region will carry a slightly higher price tag. This is in part due to the geography of the region itself; the rugged, hilly terrain is not well suited to mass production. The higher costs for tending the vineyards, along with comparatively lower yields creates a wine of quality that you can expect to pay a few dollars more for the experience (Asimov, 2005).
- Jerez (HAH-res)
- Located in the southwestern coastal area of Spain, the Jerez region is best known for its production of high quality and moderately expensive Sherries. Sherry is produced from the Moscatel, Palomino, and Pedro Ximenez grape varietals (Cannavan, 2011).
- One of the better known characteristics of Sherry is its high alcohol content (15 ½ to 22 %); however, Sherries from this region can differ significantly from super dry to sickeningly sweet (MacNeil, 2001). So, if you are inclined to experiment with the Spanish sherries…BABY STEPS
