In addition to sherry, which has long become one of the symbols of Spain, this sunny country is famous as the birthplace of magnificent red and white wines.
Spain, without a doubt, is the world leader in vineyard area. They occupy 117 million hectares, which is not enough. Historically, local wineries produce drinks with a complex, seasoned taste, often curtaining them in oak barrels.
In the country there are 39 separate wine regions, and two more are located on the islands. Moreover, each produces its own unique varieties of wine.
In order not to get confused in this abundance, all categories of Spanish wines are strictly classified and distributed both by region and by required aging time.
Accepted Categories
In the country, the entire process of wine production, from the time of grape harvesting to the design of the label on the bottle, is under state control. The Regulatory Council (Consejo Regulador) in 2003 developed a state law on vineyards and wine, which clearly defines the properties of each group of wines, from everyday table wines to premium drinks.
According to the standards, in the classification of wines in Spain there are 6 types:
- Vino de Mesa, inexpensive young wine.
- Vino de la Tierra, a wine created in a particular region.
- Vinos de Calidad con Indicacion Geografica, VC, a drink with a unique geographic location.
- Denominacion de Origen, DO, vintage wine of high quality.
- Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOC), wines of a special standard, which are produced in only two regions of Spain.
- Vinos de Pagos (VP), the highest category of vintage wines.
The classification system of Spanish wines is characterized by rigidity of criteria, which allows to achieve a truly high quality product. Let's try to figure out how the wines of different categories differ, and with what drinks it is worth starting an acquaintance with the winemaking of Spain.
Home wine
The Spaniards themselves are happy to drink local table wines, often made from several grape varieties and have a strong flavoring bouquet. Before the introduction of the general classification of Spanish wines, such a drink was called Vinos de Pasto: a wicker bottle was taken by peasants and shepherds to complete their modest lunch.
However, this does not mean that Vino de Mesa is not worth trying: often a blend of several varieties gives the wine an unexpected, bright shade. In addition, these drinks are made for local consumption, so they do not add sulfur dioxide or other popular preservatives.
Sometimes good vintage wines fall into this category, which, according to one or several parameters, do not meet the strict criteria of DO or Vino de la Tierra.
The bulk of table wines are produced in the central and southeastern regions of the country, where the largest number of vineyards is concentrated. The abundance of material allows even eminent winemakers to experiment with blends, producing good wines for everyday use.
Local wine
Vino de la Tierra category drinks have more stringent requirements: the grape variety, region of production and year of manufacture of the drink must be indicated on its label. On ordinary table wines, these data are not allowed to be placed, so as not to mislead customers.
In total, 41 territorial regions are registered on the territory of the country where drinks of this variety are produced. Most of these wines have a pronounced local character and non-standard taste.
Wine with a unique geographical location
If the previous varieties can be bottled in any region of the country, then the government makes additional demands on this type of Spanish wine. In order to correspond to the category, the entire production of the drink, from the place of collection of varietal grapes to its bottling, must occur in one region. This requirement applies even to the process of wine ripening.
Vintage wines of category DO
The classification of Spanish wines is especially clear in this category: each wine region has its own regulatory council that monitors compliance with the entire technology of wine production.
The grape varieties used to create the drink, production methods (for example, for cava), aging standards - all these characteristics are strictly prescribed for each region and winemakers are required to adhere to these standards.
Before the wine is assigned the DO rank, the drink must be in the VC category for at least five years and at the same time achieve high commercial performance.
These stringent requirements for wine classification by the regions of Spain help to combat low-quality drinks on the shelves and maintain high standards of Spanish winemaking.
DOCa wines
The best wine-producing regions of Spain are given DOCa status, which means a special process for the production, processing and aging of wines in this region. Unfortunately, there are only two such regions so far: Rioja (Rioja) gained its status in 1991, and Priorato (Priorat) in 2001.
The hot and dry climate of Spain does not contribute to the high yield of vineyards; in the Priorat region, the average yield of wine per hectare is only 5 hectoliters. And we are talking about the famous grape varieties Garnacha and Cariñena, from which the most high-quality wines in the world are obtained.
According to reviews of Spanish wines, red wine from Priory has a bright aroma of drunk cherries, licorice and fruits, a balanced taste and a long finish. The region's most famous wines are considered strong drinks with a rich tart flavor, such as Vinicola del Priorat, Torra Rotllan or Finca de la Planeta del Priorat.
Famous Rioja
For several years this region was the only one in the country whose wines were awarded the DOCa category. For many lovers of this drink, it is Rioja that is the symbol of all winemaking in Spain. And no wonder, because the first vineyards in the Ebro Valley appeared more than two thousand years ago.
Today, Rioja is officially divided into three separate wine regions, each of which is famous for its special vineyards and amazing bouquets of wines:
- Rioja Alta (Rioja Alta), located in the west high on the slopes of the mountains. Summer is quite sultry, there is very little rainfall, the soil is a mixture of clay and limestone. Powerful wines with high acidity will be born in this area, ideal for long aging.
- Rioja Alavesa, the smallest zone, whose vineyards occupy only 12 thousand hectares. The climate here is warmer, closer to the Mediterranean, which allows the grapes to pick up sweets. This part of Rioja is famous for its beautiful young wines with a fresh and pure aroma. It is here that you can taste the best white dry wines of Spain.
- And finally, Rioja Baja (Rioja Baja) with its dry warm climate. It is in this region that the famous Tempranillo grapes are best ripened, from which dense mature wines with a high alcohol content are obtained.
Wines of the category de Pagos (VP)
It is almost impossible to meet a bottle of such wine in free sale, so high demands are placed on wineries with a similar status. Since 2003, only 8 regions producing drinks of this class have been registered: three in Navarre and the rest in Castile.
In Navarre, grapes are grown on unique soils rich in limestone, so it has a special, unique taste. Add to this a pleasant climate - and you will get ideal conditions for a good wine. Many connoisseurs believe that only in Navarre, in the Chivite winery, you can try the best rose wine in the country.
Made in Castillo, Spanish wines are distinguished by their special softness and delicate fruity notes. There are many sunny days, enough water and there are never frosts. Thanks to the unique microclimate in this area, the fragrant Mansia grapes mature well, which has become the basis of many fine wines. It is this variety of Cabernet grapes that gives Castilla drinks a delicate aroma and a pleasant fruity sourness.
Graduation by exposure time
In addition to the complex classification of Spanish wines by region and technology, there is an additional separation by the aging time in wooden barrels. This classification does not apply to home-made dry wines that are good in the first couple of years after a spill. They can be poured completely without aging or left to ripen for a short time in a glass container. For such drinks, the term Joven (young) is used, although this characteristic does not need to be indicated on the label.
Traditionally, vintage wines are aged in oak barrels with a volume of 600 liters, and for the most expensive types of wines in Spain barrels with a capacity of only 300 liters are used. Depending on the aging technology, vintage wines are divided into three categories:
- Crianza. The wines of this category are aged in oak for 24 months (red) and 18 months (white).
- Reserva - at least one year of aging in a barrel and about 36 months after bottling. The minimum exposure period is 3 years.
- Gran Reserva - expensive prestigious wines that are infused for three years in an oak barrel and then 36 months "rest" in bottles. Wines of this category must be aged for at least 6 years, and only after that they go on sale.
For each type of wine, manufacturers determine how much it should be infused in oak, and how much after bottling. Most of the time in wooden barrels is spent by Rioja wines, famous for their density and oak flavor.
We choose and enjoy
When buying everyday table wine from Spain, you should focus only on your taste preferences: both white and red young wines are quite good.
But for amazing vintage wines it is better to go to sunny Spain, it is there that you can try a real malaga or aged sherry. When choosing a wine, you should carefully study the label, it should indicate the class of the drink and the aging time.
Our photos of Spanish wines show exactly where and how small letters are located on the label, telling about the class of wine. Although, being in the country, it will be interesting to get acquainted with the drinks of local winemakers, they are often more interesting than famous wines.
Many liquor stores in Spain have plates that list wines by region and year of manufacture. By the way, it is not necessary that a very aged wine will become a favorite. It’s better to focus on drinks of the Crianza and Reserva categories, you can feel better.
And remember, wine is created for pleasure, they need to enjoy and experiment with different varieties!