Spanish wine regions

There are seven key wine regions in Spain: Catalunya, Castilla-Leon, Castilla-La Mancha, Rioja, Navarra, Galicia and Sherry. Today let’s briefly talk about the signature wines and grape varieties for each region.

Catalunya is located at the north east of Spain. The region is traditionally famous for producing sparkling wine Cava, with Cava grape varieties — Parellada, Xarel-lo and Macabeo planted throughout the region.

Castilla-Leon includes several small regions, each with distinctive features. To name a few: Toro creates rich, ripe and powerful red wines using the native Tinta del Toro grape. Rueda is known for its traditional Spanish Sherry-style vinos generosos. In recent years, the local white grape Verdejo has won more fame for the region with its elegant, fresh, fruity whites.

La Mancha of Castilla - La Mancha region, is the largest and most ancient DO in Spain, also the home to the most widely planted white grape variety — Airén. Rioja is no doubt the best known Spanish wine region, featuring various style of red wines made from the versatile Tempranillo grape.

Navarra traditionally has its reputation in high-alcohol rosé wines made from the Garnacha (or Grenache in France) grape. In recent years it has moved towards quality red wines, creating reds with more colour and aroma by blending Cabernet or Merlot into traditional varieties.

Galicia region situates at the north west of Spain. The damp weather brought by the Atlantic gives the Albariño grape an opportunity to shine. The coastal Rías Baixas is especially famous for producing light, fresh, aromatic wines, which matches the finest seafood.

Sherry’s Jerez region is famous for its unique fortified wine style — Sherry. Palomino, together with Pedro Ximénez and Muscatel, are the key grape varieties responsible for this rich, raisiny wine.