Spanish Wines

Spain is one of the largest grape-growing and winemaking countries in the world, with numerous diverse wine regions. The most famous regions for red wine are Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro and Priorat. Up and coming regions include Bierzo, Jumilla and Navarra. White wine regions include Rueda and Rias Baixas.

The most common grape used in red wine is Tempranillo, which is the predominant grape in Rioja, Ribera del Duero (known there as Tinto de Pais) and Toro (known there as Tinto de Toro). Grenache, or Garnacha in Spanish, may be the main grape in the Southern Rhone valley of France, but more Garnacha is grown in Spain than anywhere else. Syrah and Camernet Sauvignon have made inroads in Spain as well.

White wine varieties include Albariño, Macabeo (Veura), Verdejo and Godello.