How are Spanish wines classified?
The three most common aging designations on Spanish wine labels are Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. Crianza For Rioja red wines these are aged for 1 year in oak barrels. Crianza whites and rosés must be aged for at least 6 months in oak barrels.
What are the names of Spanish wines?
With such prolific winemaking, there are many popular Spanish wines beloved not just in Spain, but around the world.
- Rioja (Reds)
- Priorat (Reds)
- Cava (Sparkling)
- Sherry (Fortified)
- Ribera del Duero (Red)
- Albariño (White)
- Godello (White)
What is special about Spanish wines?
Spanish wines are made in a range of styles that reflect the country’s diverse regions and native grape varieties, offering the consumer a unique and authentic experience with each wine.
What makes Spanish wine different?
It is present in almost every single element that influence the style and characteristics of any wine: soils, climate, grape varieties, winemaking techniques… In terms of its climate, almost all types and styles of wines can be produced in Spain except for those of extreme cold regions.
What is Spanish red wine?
Spanish Red Wines Tempranillo is the most planted red grape in Spain, and it appears under a few names, including Tinto Fino, Tinto de Toro, Cencibel, Ull de Llebre, and Tinto del Pais. The two most famous regions for Tempranillo are Rioja and Ribera del Duero.
What is Spain’s best wine?
The World’s Best Spanish Wines
| Wine Name | Score | Ave Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dominio de Pingus Pingus, Ribera del Duero | 96 | $983 |
| Alvaro Palacios L’Ermita Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa | 96 | $956 |
| Bodega Lanzaga Las Beatas, Rioja DOCa | 95 | $276 |
| Artadi Vina El Pison, Alava | 95 | $298 |
Is Rioja sweet or dry?
The acidity tends to be mostly high but there are varieties that offer both low acid and lower tannins depending on who the vintner is. An ideal Rioja has a medium sweetness with medium tannins and a medium to high oakiness to it, combined with a low acidity to yield a smooth, flavourful wine.
What is a sweet Spanish wine?
Along with celebrated sherry, Spain offers a variety of sweet wines from all corners of the country. The three standout grapes used in Spanish sweet wines are Palomino, Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel. Many regions fortify their wines and use botrytis or even grape freezing to preserve the fruit’s natural sweetness.
What is the difference between Merlot and Rioja?
Merlot is the softest and plummy, Shiraz is spicy, Malbec is rich and intense and Cabernet Sauvignon is full of blackcurrant and dark hedgerow fruits. Rioja is an area in Spain that makes different styles of wine from a blend of varietals, normally Tempranillo, Grenache and Mazeulo.
What is a good Spanish Rioja?
10 Rioja Reds That Showcase Spain’s Hidden Value
- Beronia 2010 Gran Reserva (Rioja); $30, 93 points.
- Bodegas Muriel 2010 Viñas Viejas Gran Reserva (Rioja); $30, 92 points.
- CVNE 2015 Cune Reserva (Rioja); $29, 92 points.
- Bodegas Olarra 2015 Cerro Añon Reserva (Rioja); $22, 92 points.