Wines from Spain

In Spain, viticulture was introduced by the Phoenicians, developed by the Greeks, and organized by the Romans. Despite the barbarian invasions that damaged it, the Spanish vineyard was preserved, even under Moorish occupation. Of course, the “Reconquista” and the markets opened up by the new colonies facilitated the resumption of the vineyard’s expansion. Undoubtedly, phylloxera in the 19th century and the Civil War in the 20th century dealt the harshest blows to Spanish viticulture. Ultimately, it was only in the last fifty years that the Spanish wine industry reorganized itself, thanks in particular to the return to democracy andSpain’s entry into the European Union.

Spanish vineyards now cover an area of nearly 1,100,000 hectares, spread across all regions of the country. This makes it the largest vineyard in the world by area, even though it has shrunk considerably in recent years. Most vineyards benefit from a Mediterranean climate, though a small portion of the planted land experiences a more oceanic climate, particularly in the western regions such as Galicia or the southwest near Seville. The best vineyards are located on plateaus at altitudes between 500 and 800 meters, where the sun is less intense and nights are cooler.

Spanish wine is protected by some sixty designations of origin (Denominación de Origen and Denominación de Origen Calificada), which are grouped into 12 production regions. Winemakers can claim the origin of their wines under these designations, in the absence of a controlled appellation, similar to the “vins de pays” in France. The most renowned appellations of origin are undoubtedly those of Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and, of course, Jerez (Sherry). The grape varieties have retained their distinct identities and consist primarily of Grenache, Tempranillo, Monastrell, Carignan, and Merlot for red wines, and Macabeo, White Grenache, Malvasia, Palomino, and Parellada for white wines.

Discover Spain’s wineries: Luis Canas, Vega Sicilia, Enate, Exopto, Borsao, Aalto

Also discover Spain’s appellations: Tierra de Castilla, Cava, Campo de Borja, Jumilla, Carinena, Navarre, Baixas, Somontano.