Spanish Red Wine

Spain is the most widely planted wine producing nation, with over 2.9 million acres planted. The beautiful country had an abundance of native grape varieties, a handful of which are very well known. With over 400 varieties you are not expected to know all of them, but you may have come across the likes of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Monastrell for the reds. For the whites you may have heard of Airen, Macabeo and Palomino.

The major Spanish wine regions include the Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Other locations include Jerez: home to the fortified wine Sherry and Rias Baixas, which is known for its white wines made from Albariño.

Spanish red wine is a favourite for many, with some of the top wines being Herederos 18008 Crianza D.O.C. Rioja; a red wine aged in American oak for 12 months, before being bottled for a further six months before its release. Other favourites include Incredulo D.O. Toro 2009, Asteriso D.O. Toro 2013 and Bodegas Campina Contadero Vinas Centenarias Crianza D.O.

Rioja

North Central Spain is historically a strong wine growing region. Over 75% of the Rioja is red and the principal grape is Tempranillo. Some of the other varieties are Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo. This wine will often use a blend of different grapes.

Ribera del Duero

Travel north of Madrid and you will find one of Spain’s most dynamic wine regions, of which Tempranillo grape variety is made with deep colour and finesse.

Priorato

A mountainous and inaccessible region, this area is located in the North East of Spain. Here you’ll find amazingly rich and powerful reds that have emerged from the harsh landscape of the region.

Toro

Located in North West Spain, Toro is becoming widely recognised as one of the best wine growing regions in the country. The climate and soil make it perfect for making powerful, tannic red wines, coming mainly from the Tempranillo grape variety.

Other popular Spanish Red Wine types include Penedés, Rias Baixas, Navarra and Rueda.

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