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 took their toll, Spanish vineyards were preserved, even under Moorish occupation. Of course, the “Reconquista” and the new markets offered by the colonies facilitated the resumption of vineyard expansion. Undoubtedly, the phylloxera epidemic 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 world’s largest vineyard in terms of area, even though that area has decreased considerably in recent years. Most vineyards benefit from a Mediterranean climate, while a small portion of the planted land experiences a more oceanic climate, such as in the western part of the country—including Galicia—or in 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 the 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 an appellation contrôlée—similar to France’s “vins de pays.” The most renowned designations 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 wine regions: Tierra de Castilla, Cava, Campo de Borja, Jumilla, Carinena, Navarre, Baixas, and Somontano.