Spanish Wine Regions

Spain is the second largest wine producing country in the world, just behind France and directly before Italy. With 1, 2 million hectares under vines, one can find about 5,500 wineries here.

Spanish Wine Regions production volume stands at 33 million hectolitres per year.

These are some of the wine regions of Spain.

Rioja:
Along both sides of the Ebro River, this region was demarcated by the area’s governing body (Consejo Regulador) in 1926. This region takes its name from the Rio Oja, a tributary of the Ebro River. This is a region with much history behind it.

Navarra:
Rich in geographical diversity and history, this region extends from the Pyrenees Mountains to the Ebro basin located on the edge of Rioja Baja. The quality of wines produced in this area has improved dramatically. There are two styles of wines produced here, namely traditional styles using indigenous grapes and modern styles like Palacio de La Vega and Ochoa using French grapes along with the Spanish varieties. Lots of ripe fruit with intense flavours and firm structure – the best are capable of ageing.

Penedes:
Located less than an hour south of Barcelona, this is one of the oldest wine regions in Spain. An excellent range of still wines are produced here, ranging from delicate whites to beefy reds, as well as Cava (sparkling wine). Although Chardonnay was the first to be planted here, reds are fast gaining popularity.

Ribera del Duero:
Rival to Rioja, this may be one of the most exciting wine regions in Spain. Wines produced here are big and bold with wonderful fruit. Spain’s most famous wine, the Vega Sicilia, makes its home here. With yields as low as 18 hectolitres per hectare and made entirely from French grapes, it is a superb wine.

Priorato:
A beautiful, remote area, previously known for its highly alcoholic wines, has altered rather dramatically in the past decade and is now home to some of Spain’s highest quality reds. This delicious, unique and truly Spanish wine is rich, robust and full of ripe fruit, with great body and structure.

Rias Baxias:
The climate here is Atlantic, with heavy rain pour and extreme humidity. This is mainly a white wine area, with some fantastic wines produced from the Albarino grape, which taste like some of the good barrel fermented Chardonnay’s.

Somontano:
This region lies at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountain and its name actually means “under the mountain”. It is a up and coming wine region supporting many young dedicated winemakers.

Ribeiro:
Also a popular surname in Portugal and Brazil, the region of Ribeiro is located in the north-west corner of Spain, on the Portuguese border. Fine quality white wines and some very pleasant light reds are produced in this region.

Valencia:
Table reds, whites, roses and Moscatel dessert white wines are produced in this region on a large scale.

Jerez:
This is the area you will find that unique wine that is Sherry. Jerez is located in the hot dry south-west of Spain. Sherry is a rather versatile, underrated quality wine, which comes in a variety of styles, from very dry through the medium styles, to the extremely rich, sweet cream Sherries.

Valdepeñas:
Meaning ‘the valley of stones’, this region has very hot humid summers and cold winters. You will find some excellent Reserva and Gran Rserva wines here.

Rueda:
Generally a white wine producing area, good Sauvignon Blanc is made here.