9 Spanish wines to help you explore Spain 

Taking a trip to Spain? Looking to expand the Spanish section of your wine cellar? In this article I am exploring Spain like a shopping list of what wines to drink and buy, to explore the country through wine. This article can also be useful if you are looking to increase your basic knowledge of Spanish wines. These are Spanish wines that I’m drinking (or looking to) with some basic information and tasting notes to help you shop for Spanish wine and enjoy your experience.

Spain is the worlds largest producer of wine. Through Spains rich history from Phoenicians and Greeks, to Romans and the Visgoths, to the Moors, the Reconquista, the unification, this beautiful and diverse country has pretty much always been producing wine. Today, all regions of Spain grow grapes and make wine; they have the largest area under vine in the world!

From the north to the south of Spain, what are we drinking? What wines am I looking for, and what region are they from?

Firstly, a note on the classification system in Spain; the “DO” (Denominación de Origen) is Spains wine quality classification system. In each region there is always with a list of allowed grape varieties under the wine laws. Most DO’s allow for a great number of grape varieties in their wines, but always have “preferred” varietals. 

Alright, let’s explore Spain and its wines. 

Starting north in “Green Spain” in the province of Galicia, we are looking for white wines. Specifically for DO Rias Baixas, made from the Albariño grape. 

There are 5 sub zones of this DO, but I am most excited to be shopping for Albariño wines Rias Baixas Salnés – from Val do Salnés (the birthplace of Albariño). These wines are citrusy with notes of peaches and white flowers, and sometimes with a memory of salt.

Also from Galicia and another white wine from the grape Godello under the DO Valdeorras. These wines are said to have a mineral backbone, ripe apple and a dash of herb. I really enjoyed both of these white wines while in Spain. 

Moving onto the Castilla y Leon province, and continuing with white wines. The grape Verdejo under DO Rueda is a must try. These wines are crisp and fresh, with notes of citrus and bay leaf. 

However, king of the region (and of Spain really) is the Tempranillo grape in DO Ribera del Duero. The wines are complex with a full body and moderate tannin. They can be labeled as Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva which refers to the amount of time they have been aged in the barrel and before release. 

Famously Rioja must join the wine shopping list with a DOCa Rioja made from the grapes Tempranillo/ Garnacha Tinta. The Rioja region spearheaded winemaking innovation that resulted in the growth of Spains wine reputation. Rioja has very strict wine laws that classify wines based on aging requirements from the youngest “Genérico” to the oldest “Gran Reserva”. One of the most “important” wines of Spain, every wine list has the place for a big Rioja. These wines tend to be savoury with notes of cherry, plum, and leather. 

In the past few years sparkling wines under the DOCa Rioja have also grown in popularity, as have rosados. I’d like to get my hands on both of those too!

The other very famous wine from Spain that must also be on your shopping list is Cava of course. The DO Cava actually allows for Cava to be made under the official wine laws in 7 regions of Spain, but the Cataluña province is this this wines original home. First created in the late 1800’s after one mans visit to the Champagne region, this high quality Spanish sparkling has been made of 3 native grapes ever since: Xarel.lo, Macabeo, and Parellada. (Never heard of them? Don’t worry, not many have). 

The wine is made in the traditional method, fully sparkling, and with a strict wine sweetness classification system. Cava is low in acidity with citrus flavours, and sometimes a hint of fennel or herbs. 

Cava often has great quality for the price, and is a perfect wine to have stored in the cellar for a celebratory moment. 

Also from Cataluña, new to me, and most definitely on my shopping list is a red wine from a Garnacha/Samsó blend categorized as DOQ Priorat. These wines are highly regulated with strict rules, awarding them with a higher status. They are well balanced, complex, and rich. A big bold red for an important dinner. (This same blend can come from DO Montant which is on my list as well.)

Moving south onto Murcia. Recently I learned about DO Jumilla primarily made with the native Monastrell grape from this seaside province in the SE of Spain. I was sent on a wild goose chase to try all the DO Jumilla wines I could find. This red wine has great aging potential, is deep in colour, and almost savoury flavours. 

Lastly, we are of course in the south in Andalucia and we are looking to find Sherry under DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry made from the Palomino grape. With strict winemaking regulations, these extravagant wines are made in Sherry cathedrals, under the solera system; they are fortified and sweet. I would opt for a Fino sherry aged under the “velo de flor” which is a light and elegant sherry. Or, Manzanilla sherry known for its aromatic qualities of chamomile, almonds, with a saline finish. These aren’t drinking wines per say, but great to have for the end of a meal. 

So, the roundup. The Spanish wine shopping list to upgrade your wine cellar is:

Whites: DO Rias Baixas, DO Valdeorras, DO Rueda, DO Cava

Reds: DO Riera del Duero, DOCa Rioja, DOQ Priorat, DO Montant, DO Jumilla 

Whether you are just getting into Spanish wines, or a Spanish wine lover, this list is a simple collection of wine suggestions to try new wines from Spain. Next time I hope you turn to Spanish wines with a little more confidence in what you are looking for and enjoy the exploration of Spain through wine.