When people talk about wine, they often think of Bordeaux and Burgundy in France, Italian wines, the New World wines of Australia and New Zealand, or Spanish wine, known for its rich history and diverse regions like Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Priorat.
But today, let’s shift our focus to Spanish wine, an underrated treasure that has long been overlooked.
Spain is the third-largest wine-producing country in the world, yet many wine lovers, especially in China, are unfamiliar with its rich variety and exceptional quality. Unlike French wines, which are widely celebrated, or Californian wines, which benefit from extensive media promotion, Spanish wines remain a well-kept secret—which also means better value for money! 
For those new to Spanish wine, this guide will introduce you to its unique flavors, classifications, and must-try varieties.
An Introduction to Spanish Wine
A Land of Wine and Tradition
Spain, located on the Iberian Peninsula, boasts over 2.9 million acres of vineyards, making it the largest wine-producing country by vineyard area. However, its total production ranks third, behind France and Italy, due to lower vine density and yield.
Spanish wine is often described as “easygoing”, sitting between the prestige of French wines and the approachability of Italian wines. But its diversity is truly remarkable, largely influenced by climate variations across the country:
- Central Spain – Scorching summers and freezing winters create bold, full-bodied wines.
- Northwest Spain (Galicia) – Cool ocean breezes and winding rivers make this region known as “Green Spain”, producing fresh, crisp wines.
- Southern Spain – Dry, arid landscapes with strong winds make grape growing a challenge, leading to intensely concentrated wines.
- Eastern Spain – Mediterranean influences create a warm and breezy climate, perfect for smooth, elegant wines.
- Northeastern Spain – The Pyrenees Mountains block rain clouds from reaching central Spain, resulting in drier conditions.
Understanding Spanish Wine Classifications
Spain’s Wine Labeling System
Spanish wine labels can be confusing, but understanding their classification system makes selecting the perfect bottle much easier. Since Spain is part of the EU, its wine quality categories are similar to those in France and Italy.
The classification system, ranked from lowest to highest quality, includes:
- Vino de Mesa (VDM) – Table wine with no geographic designation.
- Vino Comarcal (VC) – Regional wines of slightly higher quality.
- Vino de la Tierra (VDLT) – Comparable to France’s Vin de Pays, indicating superior regional quality.
- Denominación de Origen (DO) – Spain’s equivalent to AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) in France.
- Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) – The highest classification, reserved for Spain’s most prestigious regions. Currently, only Rioja and Priorat hold this status.
Aging Categories in Spanish Wine
Spain is known for its longer aging process, particularly for red wines. Wines classified under DO and DOCa labels are further categorized based on aging time:
- Joven – Young wine, with minimal aging, released soon after production.
- Crianza – Aged at least two years, with six months to one year in oak barrels.
- Reserva – Aged at least three years, including one year in oak barrels.
- Gran Reserva – The highest tier, aged at least five years, with two years in oak barrels.
Must-Try Spanish Wines
Cava: Spain’s Iconic Sparkling Wine
Cava is Spain’s famous sparkling wine, primarily produced in Catalonia, north of Barcelona. Like Champagne in France and Franciacorta in Italy, Cava is made using the traditional method, undergoing a second fermentation in the bottle.
Cava is a fantastic alternative to Champagne, offering excellent quality at a fraction of the price.
Tempranillo: The Heart of Spanish Reds
Tempranillo is Spain’s signature red grape, widely planted across the country. The best expressions come from Rioja and Ribera del Duero, where it produces wines with rich fruit, spice, and earthy flavors.
Rioja wines, in particular, balance Old World elegance (earthy, structured) with New World richness (ripe fruit flavors).
Priorat: Bold and Intense Reds
Priorat produces some of Spain’s most powerful and complex red wines. The region is known for its rugged terrain and extreme climate, resulting in deeply concentrated wines.
Priorat reds are typically blends of Grenache, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
One of the top producers in Priorat is Alvaro Palacios, known for its high-quality yet reasonably priced wines.
Sherry: Spain’s Liquid Gold
Sherry, often called “Spain’s national wine,” was famously described by Shakespeare as “Spanish sunshine in a bottle.”
This fortified wine undergoes aging through the Solera system, blending wines of different ages. Sherry comes in both dry and sweet styles:
- Dry Sherry: Includes Fino and Manzanilla, known for their crisp, saline character.
- Sweet Sherry: Includes Pale Cream (a blend of Fino and concentrated grape juice), and rich dessert Sherries like Pedro Ximénez.
Final Thoughts: Discovering Spain’s Hidden Wine Gems
Spanish wine offers a diverse range of styles, from crisp Cava to bold Tempranillo and fortified Sherry. While French and Italian wines dominate the spotlight, Spain remains an underrated treasure—offering world-class quality at unbeatable prices.
So, next time you’re picking a bottle, why not explore the vibrant world of Spanish wines?
