Collection: Buy Spanish wines

Discovering Spanish wines

For several millennia, Spain has held aprominent place in the world of wine. As early as 1000 BC, wines were already being produced in what is now Andalusia by the Phoenicians, and later by the Greeks.Today, the country is the third largest wine producer in the world, behind Italy and France. As you can imagine, it is therefore very difficult to succinctly summarize the full richness of the wine heritage of Cervantes’ homeland. Nevertheless, let’s take a brief look at the key elements to remember when exploring Spanish wines.

The Spanish classification system

The first level of the Spanish hierarchy, table wines (Vino De Mesa or VDM), includes cuvées made from grapes sourced from unclassified vineyards or produced with grape varieties that sometimes do not meet the requirements of the appellations. This category can be compared to our “Vin de France” designation.

Then comes the category Vino de la Tierra (VDT), which at the European level corresponds to a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication). A VDT wine is therefore a cuvée produced according to a well-defined set of specifications, but with less strict requirements regarding the use of grape varieties, terroirs, or possible yields compared to a so-called classic appellation.

As a Spanish exception, the category Vino de Calidad con Indicación Geográfica (VCIG) was created in 2003. This designation is reserved for regions wishing to become DO (the higher category) and must undergo a minimum transition period of 5 years. For the relevant bottles, you will find the mention Vino de Calidad followed by the name of the producing region on the label.

The next level is made up of the DO or Denominación de Origen category, which corresponds to the French AOC. Here, wines are produced within strictly defined territories, and grape varieties, cultivation methods, as well as yields, are more restrictive.

Then come the  DOC or DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada), which are part of the elite of Spanish wine classification. Created in 1988, this category identifies appellations whose wine quality is considered to be superior to that of DO. As the requirements to obtain this qualification are quite complex, only two regions currently hold DOCa status: Rioja and Priorat.

Finally, the pyramid ends with the category Vino de Pago (VP), a designation introduced in 2003 to identify estates within DO or DOCa that have a unique microclimate and a specific name distinguishing them from surrounding production areas. Among the twenty or so properties recognized by this designation throughout Spain, stricter production conditions are also established.

Aging classifications for Spanish wines

Unlike France, Spanish legislation also defines strict criteria regarding the ageing of red wines, white wines and rosé wines. Here are the main details.

Joven : No minimum aging is required here. These are therefore generally fruity wines and supple wines intended to be enjoyed in their youth.

Crianza : For red wines, this corresponds to a minimum total aging of 24 months, including 6 months in barrels before they can be sold. For white and rosé wines, the total aging must be at least 18 months, including 6 months in barrels.

Reserva : For red wines, this designation corresponds to a minimum total aging of 36 months, including 12 months in barrels before they can be sold. For white and rosé wines, the total aging must be at least 24 months, including 6 months in barrels.

Gran Reserva : For red wines, this designation corresponds to a minimum total aging of 60 months, of which 18 months must be in barrels before being released for sale. For white and rosé wines, the total aging must be at least 48 months, including 6 months in barrels.

Spanish appellations, grape varieties, and terroirs

Spain offers a multitude of appellations, each with its own native grape varieties, distinct terroirs, and unique wine styles.

The DOCa Rioja is one of the most famous appellations in Spain. Located in the north of the country, it is renowned for its powerful and elegant red wines, generally known for their excellent aging potential. The star of the vineyard here is the Tempranillo grape variety (78% of plantings), sometimes accompanied by Mazuelo (Carignan), Graciano, or Garnacha (Grenache). For white wines, the main grape varieties are  Viura, Malvasía and White Grenache . To discover the wines of the region, feel free to take a closer look at the cuvées or the famous Bodegas Muga !

The appellation is divided into three zones : Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, and Rioja Baja. The vineyards of the first two sub-regions are located at an altitude between 500m and 800m and benefit from a climate with oceanic influences (coolness and humidity). In contrast, Rioja Baja is drier and more Mediterranean.Finally, the soils of the region are predominantly clay-limestone.

The Ribera del Duero DO is the other star wine region of Spain. The climate here is continental, with hot, dry summers and very cold winters. The wines produced are almost exclusively reds, although rosé production is also possible. Once again, the Tempranillo grape variety is the most prevalent, producing powerful wines, tannic, warm, and with great aging potential. Other grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot are also permitted but rarely used. Here too, the terroir is mainly clay-limestone. Bodegas Protos, an illustrious estate of the region, are an excellent way to discover the possibilities that great local wines have to offer.

Of course, many other appellations also exist such as Rias Baixas, with its Albariño, Rueda, Bierzo and its famous Mencía grape variety, the DO Toro, Priorat and Penedès in Catalonia, Jumilla and Yecla with their hot and arid climate perfectly suited to Monastrell (Mourvèdre)  a fascinating wine country, offering a millennia-old winemaking history as well as a wide selection of appellations and wines.

From the world-renowned Rioja to the powerful red wines of Ribera del Duero, and including the lively and aromatic white wines of Rueda or Rías Baixas, each wine region has its own charm and distinct character. Set out to discover them! And if you need any advice, feel free to contact La Cave Éclairée !