Spain is renowned for its rich winemaking tradition and diverse range of wines. From bold reds to crisp whites and delightful rosés, Spanish wines offer a unique taste of the country's terroir and culture. If you're looking to explore the world of Spanish wines, here is a guide to the top 10 must-try wines that showcase the best that Spain has to offer. Refer: https://drinktinto.com/collections/natural-wine.
1. Rioja
Rioja is one of Spain's most famous wine regions, known for its exceptional red wines made from Tempranillo grapes. These wines are aged in oak barrels, giving them a distinct oaky flavor with notes of cherry, vanilla, and spice.
Notable Rioja Wines:
- Marqués de Cáceres Gran Reserva
- CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva
- La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva
2. Priorat
Priorat is a small but prestigious wine region in Catalonia, known for its powerful and complex red wines. These wines are typically made from Garnacha and Cariñena grapes grown in the region's unique slate soil, resulting in intense flavors of black fruit, herbs, and minerals.
Notable Priorat Wines:
- Clos Mogador
- L'Ermita
- Clos de l'Obac
3. Albariño
Albariño is a crisp and refreshing white wine from the Rías Baixas region in Galicia. Made from Albariño grapes, this wine is known for its bright acidity, citrusy flavors, and floral aromas, making it the perfect choice for seafood dishes.
Notable Albariño Wines:
- Pazo de Señorans
- Do Ferreiro
- La Val
4. Cava
Cava is Spain's answer to champagne, a sparkling wine made primarily in the Penedès region in Catalonia. This wine is produced using the traditional method, resulting in a bubbly beverage with crisp acidity, citrus notes, and a toasty finish.
Notable Cava:
- Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut
- Raventós i Blanc de Nit
- Gramona Imperial Gran Reserva Brut
5. Sherry
Sherry is a fortified wine produced in the Andalusia region, known for its distinct nutty and saline flavors. From dry and light Fino to rich and sweet Pedro Ximénez, Sherry offers a wide range of styles to explore.
Notable Sherry:
- Tio Pepe Fino
- Valdespino Inocente Fino
- Emilio Lustau East India Solera
6. Verdejo
Verdejo is a crisp and aromatic white wine from the Rueda region in central Spain. Made from Verdejo grapes, this wine offers notes of citrus, tropical fruit, and fresh herbs, making it an excellent choice for warm weather sipping.
Notable Verdejo Wines:
- Viña Sila Verdejo
- Naia Verdejo
- Menade Verdejo
7. Garnacha
Garnacha, also known as Grenache, is a versatile red grape variety that thrives in various Spanish regions. Spanish Garnacha wines are known for their bold fruit flavors, high alcohol content, and smooth tannins, making them a popular choice among red wine lovers.
Notable Garnacha Wines:
- Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha
- Alto Moncayo Veraton
- La Atalaya del Camino Garnacha
8. Tempranillo
Tempranillo is Spain's signature red grape variety, widely planted in regions like Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Toro. This grape produces medium to full-bodied wines with flavors of red fruit, leather, and tobacco, often aged in oak barrels for added complexity.
Notable Tempranillo Wines:
- Pesquera Reserva
- Bodegas Muga Reserva
- Pago de Carraovejas Crianza
9. Mencia
Mencía is a red grape variety native to the Bierzo region in northwestern Spain. Wines made from Mencía grapes are known for their vibrant acidity, floral aromas, and flavors of red berries and earth, offering a unique expression of Spanish terroir.
Notable Mencía Wines:
- Descendientes de J. Palacios Pétalos
- Guímaro Mencía Joven
- Raúl Pérez Ultreia Saint Jacques
10. Rueda
Rueda is a white wine region in central Spain known for its refreshing and zesty wines made from Verdejo grapes. These wines are characterized by their citrusy aromas, crisp acidity, and lively fruit flavors, making them a perfect match for a variety of dishes.
Notable Rueda Wines:
- Marqués de Riscal Verdejo
- Jose Pariente Verdejo
- Finca Montico Verdejo