You may not have tried as much Spanish wine as some of the other old world wines from Italy and France (read the guides French and Italian wine names by clicking these links). But there are so many wines just waiting to be discovered and the best part? They are seriously affordable! In a world where many French wines pick up huge price tags, you can buy premium Spanish wine for under $20. It also goes so well with food! In this guide to Spanish wine, we unpack the basics of understanding Spanish wine so you can buy with confidence.
Guide to Spanish wine: understanding Spanish wine classifications
When we dove into French and Italian wine names we learnt that normally the grape is not on the label. Wines are usually labelled by region, not grape variety. This rings true mostly for Spanish wine too which follows a similar classification system. The primary focus is on the region, not the grape. Many of their wines are also blends of grape varieties rather than one grape meaning it is normally better to find a region style you love rather than a grape variety.
However, this isn’t always the case! There are some wines that go by grape variety rather than region to add some confusion to the mix. A great example is albariño (read the guide to albariño here). This refers to the grape not the region of Rias Baixas. This means unlocking Spanish wine is about understanding the grapes and the regions.
In Spain, wines are still classified into different regions which each have its own wine laws and quality standards. There are currently 69 major wine regions and each is governed by the DO (denominación de origen protegida) system. The highest classification is DOCa (denominación de origen calificada) which only has two regions within it: Rioja and Priorat.
The Spanish wine classifications
As is the case with most old world wines, Spain also has its own appellation system. For the Protected Designation of Origin categories, the longer a region has been recognised within the system, typically the higher the category.
Spanish wine classifications
- Vino de Pago (VP) – These wines are single estate and are produced under distinctive conditions representative of the area. They also must be produced and bottled within the estate.
- Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) – This category represents the highest level for a wine appellation in Spain. To be part of this, the region must have had DO status for a minimum of 10 years and wine must be produced and bottled within the region. These regions offer the highest quality wine.
- Denominación de Origen (DO) – This category has the most regions producing Spanish wine. A number of quality standards must be met for an appellation to gain this, including the use of authorized grape varieties, production levels, winemaking methods, and aging regimen.
- Vino de Calidad con Indicación Geográfica (VC) – Wine appellations in this category usually sit between the Vino de la Tierra and Denominación de Origen categories. A region must spend a minimum of five years as a VC prior to applying for DO status and so a number of regions sit here first.
- Vino de la Tierra (VT) – This is the only label under the European Union’s “Protected Geographic Indication” category. Wines in this classification possess identifiable local characteristics but have more relaxed standards. Due to the greater flexibility within this category, many winemakers in high-quality regions have opted to label some of their wines as VT.
- Vino de España/Vino – These are wines previously labelled “Vino de Mesa” and represent wines produced without any specific indication. Wines labelled as such are only authorized to mention country of origin, grape variety, and harvest year on the label. This classification gives winemakers the greatest flexibility to experiment.
An additional note on Rioja wine classifications
It wouldn’t be a guide to Spanish wine without looking at the little extra classification you’ll find on a Rioja. Rioja wines are some of the most popular Spanish wines we find in Australia (hello Tempranillo), and there is something else you’ll find on the label. Rioja wines classifications tell you how long the bottle has been aged for, and they only get released when ready to drink. The great thing about this is that it makes finding drinkable, food-friendly wines so much easier.
Rioja wine classifications
The classifications for Rioja wines are:
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- Crianza – This is a fresh, fruit-forward youthful red wine that is aged in oak for a minimum of one year and then spends another year aging in the bottle. These wines are easy-going and perfect for everyday drinking. They are often really affordable food wines and consistent quality all year round.
- Reserva – The Reserva is much more complex than the Crianza and commands a higher price as a result. The ageing requirements for a Reserva are a minimum of one year in the barrel and another two years ageing in either the barrel or bottle. Reserva is a very versatile red wine that goes great with food.
- Gran Reserva – Wines that require barrel ageing for two years and that must have another minimum three years of bottle aging before release. This means they are a great find as they already have significant age before being made available. These wines are also only made in years with great vintages. The best thing about these wines? They are still quite affordable for aged wines.
There was a classification called Joven for wines with minimal ageing and no oak requirements. But winemakers have realised it is easier to sell wines that are simply labelled Rioja in this category, so aren’t using this term much anymore.
Guide to Spanish wine: Key regions and grapes
Spanish wine is all about variety. The styles and characteristics are incredibly diverse as they have so many different climates to grow grapes. More than 600 types of grapes are grown in Spain, but the majority of wine production focuses on only 20.
Most Spanish wines names come from the region, not the grape variety. But this isn’t always the case. So here are some of the most popular wines you’ll find from Spain and what their characteristics are.
Popular Spanish wines
| Wine name | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Rioja | Typically a blend of Tempranillo, garnacha, graciano, mazuela and maturana |
| Ribera Del Duero | Wines made using a blend of tinto fino (tempranillo), cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, garnacha. They are typically more intense than Rioja wines |
| Priorat | Full-bodied red wines commanding higher prices from Garnacha and Cariñena |
| Toro | Rich, full-bodied and deeply coloured red wines from tinta de toro |
| Ribeira Sacra | Renowned red wines from Mencia grapes |
| White Rioja | Also known as Rioja Blanco, the grapes used are Viura and Malvasia. This wine is light and fresh or rich and nutty |
| Rueda/Verdejo | Known by grape name not region. Crisp, dry, citrusy. |
| Albarino | Light, acidic and slightly bitter |
| Godello | Dry and high alcohol yet complex |
| Cava | Produced mostly in the Catalonia region using the traditional method |
| Sherry | Fortified wine made using a solera system that mixes different vintages with brandy |
A guide to Spanish wine names
Spanish wine is incredibly unique and varied. Although it does have classifications they don’t follow the same rules as you’ll find in France. However, understanding Spanish wine unlocks an incredible variety of amazing wines to discover. Their wines are diverse and many are perfect for pairing with food. I hope this guide to Spanish wine helps you discover your new favourite.