Wines of Spain
Spain has more land under vine than any other country. Tempranillo and Garnacha dominate the reds, while the country is also home to Sherry, Cava and fresh Atlantic whites such as Albariño.
Main wine regions
- 1
Rías Baixas
Albariño
Green, rainy Galicia: fresh, saline, peachy whites made for seafood.
- 2
Rioja
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Viura
Spain's most famous region, known for oak-aged reds with vanilla and dried-cherry notes.
- 3
Ribera del Duero
Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)
High plateau with hot days and cold nights: powerful, dark and structured reds.
- 4
Rueda
Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp, herbal whites from the Duero valley.
- 5
Priorat
Garnacha, Cariñena
Steep slate (llicorella) slopes give concentrated, mineral reds.
- 6
Penedès (Cava)
Macabeo, Xarel·lo, Parellada
Near Barcelona; the heart of Cava, Spain's traditional-method sparkling wine.
- 7
Jerez (Sherry)
Palomino, Pedro Ximénez
Fortified wines from bone-dry Fino to sweet, raisiny PX.
Key grapes
Reading the label
DO / DOCa indicate protected origin (Rioja and Priorat are DOCa). Ageing terms: Joven (young), Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva (longest minimum ageing in barrel and bottle).
Put it into practice
Our Wine Tasting Sheet guides you through appearance, nose, palate, quality and readiness — with hints in brackets so you always find the right word. Fill it in on screen or print it.