Spain is the new upstart on the international wine market. A long tradition of wine made with extended oak aging and oxidative character is being replaced by a wave of the new style wines. Young dynamic winemakers using modern wine making techniques, stainless steel, French oak barrels, and international grapes blended with the indigenous Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mencia, Verdejo and so on. It is an exciting time for Spanish wines; more regions are emerging every month, and with most areas having a climate very suitable for grape growing the future does look bright. Spain has more land planted with grape vines than any other country and yet produces less wine than France and Italy. The dry soils and threat of drought force the vines to be planted further apart and also help to naturally keep the yields low. The cost of land, labor, and production of wine in Spain is cheaper than most other countries as well, resulting in many wine bargains to be had for the thrifty shopper. Spain is home to over 600 grape varieties, but concentrates mostly on Tempranillo and Garnacha for red, and Verdejo, Viura, and Albarino for white. Spain is also one of the world's largest producers of sparkling wine, with Cava being sold as a value driven alternative to Champagne.
Spain
The old seat of Spanish nobility is now the new seat for some of the royalty of Spain's emerging winemakers. Vega Sicilia, based on Tempranillo with the addition of Bordeaux varities, has been in Ribera del Duero since 1864. However, it was not until the 1980's that other wineries began to receive international acclaim. In the mid 1980s the Pesquera estate wines gained some very favorable reviews among critics and sommeliers alike. Since then this region has continued to produce top quality red wines with a full rich flavor most often likened to Bordeaux. Ribera del Duero is now home to a number of cult wine estates, including Bodegas Leda, Dominio de Pingus and Emilio Moro.
In the middle of Spain is the enormous region of La Mancha. Mostly known for brandy production using a white grape called Airén it is now the home of some of SpainŐs most innovative winemakers. The Vino de Pago denomination, indicating a single estate wine of great quality, originated here in La Mancha. As of 2010 there were only 9 Vino de Pagos in Spain, all are either in La Mancha or Navarra.
Northwest of Ribera del Duero is the up and coming region of Cigales. Famous for its Rosé and early release production, this region has begun to turn itself into a name known for rich modern style red wines based on Tempranillo. Situated on the Pisuerga river, a tributary of the mighty Duero, Cigales has a dry and harsh climate that is well suited to growing Tempranillo and Garnacha. Most of the vines in the region have remained in family holdings for generations and the average age of vines here is in excess of 60 years.
Located to the west of Rueda and Toro, Tierra del Vino de Zamora lies on both banks of the Duero river. It is another DO which benefits greatly from the hot climate that Spain has during the summer; the region makes red wines from Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Garnacha. The white wines are made from Verdejo and Malvasia.
Even with the emergence of new regions and winemakers throughout the rest of Spain, Rioja remains Spain's leading wine region. It enjoys more favorable growing conditions than other regions in Spain and produces some of it most highly regarded reds. Rioja's ascension to fame began in the late 1800s. Bordeaux was being devastated by outbreaks of mildew and the Phylloxera louse, many wine merchants crossed the border into Spain to escape the calamity in their own vineyards. Traditionally the wines are made in a slightly oxidative style with extended maturation in American oak barrels. Modern winemakers have sought more extraction, less oxidation, and use French oak to supply a softer vanilla tone to the wine.
Located just southwest of the Ribera del Duero in the Castilla y León region is Rueda. Wine has been produced here since the 11th century; then mostly sherry-like wines from the white Verdejo grape were made. Modern vintners are now emphasizing fresh fruity wines from the Verdejo grape, and combining their best with Sauvignon Blanc. New investment and increased knowledge have led to the use of higher quality techniques in the vineyard as well as the winery.
- Producers
In the Northwest corner of Spain, sitting right on top of Portugal, is Galicia. This region is probably most famous for the region of Rias Baixas and the white wine Albarino. It is also known for the gorgeous coastline which provides a maritime climate to moderate the seasons. This cooler climate allows for the growth of crisp aromatic white wines and lighter bodied reds which pair well with seafood. The vines are trained high on pergola trellises to avoid rot in this cooler more humid climate.
Situated south of the large La Mancha region in Spain. Jumilla was demarcated in 1996 and became famous for it's appealing fruity red wines and rosé wines from Monastrell, Syrah and Merlot. The influences of the dry Levante winds and breezes off the Mediterranean help produce an excellent climate for the growth of Monastrell which needs a bit more sun to ripen fully. A new generation of winemakers has brought investment and technology to the region. The wines are now fuller bodied expressions of the Monastrell grape aged in American and French oak barrels.
