Sunny Spain is a country that attracts tourists from all over the world not only for its cultural and architectural attractions. The wines of Spain are a kind of visiting card of the state, which attracts true gourmets of a noble drink and leaves behind a pleasant aftertaste.
A bit of history
They say that even the oldest person who drinks real Italian wine can live a very long time. The Spaniards treat this drink with special trepidation, respecting the ancient traditions of its preparation and modern production technologies that allow you to create incredibly sophisticated blends. The Greeks and Phoenicians, long before the beginning of our era, traded their wine on the territory of the Iberian Peninsula.
Around this time, the culture of Spanish wine began to form. This drink has become not just an integral element of any festive feast or solemn event - Spanish wines have become an important component directly of the entire culture of the country. It is worth paying tribute to the monastic orders, which made a significant contribution to the creation of the ancient traditions of Spanish distilleries and unique recipes, which are still carefully guarded by the state.
Geography of Spanish Wines
To date, more than 50,000 different varieties of this noble drink are produced on the Iberian Peninsula alone. But there are still the Balearic and Canary Islands, on which the best vineyard plantations are located. In general, in the territory of all countries there are about 60 wine-growing regions that produce the best wines of Spain.
All products of these regions are classified depending on the grape variety, plantation on which it grew, as well as the soil and climate of the region. For example, Ribera del Duero and
Rioja wine (Spain) are recognized as one of the best varieties. Valencia at one time was the largest supplier of the best grapes to the territory of Eastern Europe and Switzerland. In addition, regions such as Utiel Requena, Aragon, La Mancha, Penedès and many others are widely known to true gourmets.
It is worth noting: unlike most wine-making countries, Spain is characterized by an uneven climate, mountainous terrain, and is also affected by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. These factors have a direct effect on the ripening of grapes and its distinctive taste characteristics.
The main classifications of Spanish wines
Spanish wines are classified according to several criteria. So, for example, depending on the aging time, noble drinks are divided into:
- Joven is the youngest wine to be harvested this year.
- Crianza (Criansa) - wine that is aged in oak barrels for at least months. As a rule, drinks with two-year aging belong to this category.
- Reserva (Reserva) - wine aged in oak barrels for at least 12 months. Most often it is a noble drink, the total aging period of which is three years.
- Gran Reserva (Gran Reserva) - the oldest and most noble wine, with a five-year aging period, while it is stored for about two years in oak barrels.
In 1991, Spain adopted the highest category of wines - Denomination de Origen Calificada (DOC). To date, only Rioja wine (Spain) is a kind of standard for all the products of this country.
Wine trip to Spain
The wine regions of the country deserve a separate guide. Fortunately, this idea has long occurred to local tour operators. Today, many companies offer a fascinating journey through the best distilleries, in each of which tourists can get acquainted with some cooking traditions, as well as taste the delicious varieties of this noble drink.
The wines of Spain are a unique combination of ancient traditions and modern technologies that contribute to the creation of the best blends, famous for their exquisite taste in the territory not only of the country itself, but also far beyond its borders.
Rioja is one of the wine-growing regions where they produce exclusive, by all standards, wine from a special grape variety (tempranillo). It is here that the best red wines of Spain are produced, as well as noble varieties of white and pink. Special attention should be paid to Cava champagne wines, for the production of which a special production technology of the French sparkling drink is used.
Spanish wine tasters should definitely visit the lands of Castile and Leon, where the amazing drink Vega Sicilia is born, deservedly recognized by true connoisseurs as one of the best varieties of national winemaking. The best white wines of Spain are produced in Catalonia and in Malaga.
Catalan winemaking
Andalusia and Catalonia are the oldest wine-growing regions of Spain, which produce the best varieties of a noble drink, which are popular all over the world. The ancient Romans first mastered the practice of making red wine, then the monks continued the tradition, who constantly improved the recipes and production technologies, thereby obtaining the best wine brands, famous far beyond the borders of sunny Spain. It is in the Catalan distilleries that widely known varieties are produced, such as:
- DO Penedés (Penedès) - sparkling wines of Spain, which have a fresh aroma with characteristic fruity notes. More recently, the production of exquisite red wine has been mastered, which is characterized by an incredibly velvety taste in pronounced woody shades.
- DOCa. Priorat (Priorat) is the brightest representative of the best brand of wines. Many kilometers of vineyards are located in the province of Tarragona. These are characteristic red wines that have a tart taste, an exquisite aroma and a subtle aftertaste, which is so appreciated by true gourmets and connoisseurs of a noble drink.
- DO Cava (Cava). San Sadurni d'Anoya (Barcelona) is the main production site of the Catalan Cava, the recipe of which was developed in the Codorniu family distillery. Kava deserves special attention. Sparkling wines of Spain have such an exquisite taste and noble aroma thanks to special grape varieties: Pareyada, Chardonnay, Macabeo and Malvasia. It is worth noting that Kava is a traditional drink served at a family dinner for Christmas.
Wines of Navarra
This is one of the most famous wine regions of Spain, the popularity of which brought rosé wines. In addition, local winemakers very often used international grape varieties to create exclusive blends, thereby giving the refined drink even more versatility and originality. It is worth noting that today, in the territory of Navarra, rosé wines are gradually being squeezed out - they are replaced by noble drinks of a rich ruby hue.
DO Navarra (Navarra) deserves special attention. For production, Chardonnay grapes are used, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon. The climatic features and properties of the soil on which the vineyards grow are special tastes for Navarra wines. The most famous distillery, which is located in the territory of Navarra, is Chivite. Some connoisseurs of Spanish wines are sure that it is here that they make the best dry wine.
Spain has unsurpassed conditions for growing the best grape varieties, which is why there are so many wine-growing regions on its territory, each of which differs in its features and technological secrets of making a noble drink.
Castile wines
Castile and Leon are a fairly unique wine-growing region of Spain, which, in turn, is distinguished by the production of softer wines compared to Rioja. The winemaking of this region goes away with its horses in the distant past, when the territory of the region was one of the few Christian strongholds exempted from the ban on wine production. Today this is the place where the best, by international standards, red and white table wines are made, among which it is worth highlighting, first of all, the following:
- DO Arribes (Arribes). Vineyards are successfully located in two provinces: Zamora and Salamanca. For the manufacture of a noble drink, the Malvasia grape variety is most often used, but Spanish Tempraniyo is specially brought for red wine. DO Arribes has not yet enjoyed worldwide recognition, but this brand will certainly be appreciated by true connoisseurs and gourmets of a noble drink.
- DO Bierzo (Bierzo). Vineyards are located on the northwest side of the province of Leon. The special climate - the maximum number of sunny days and the minimum temperature fluctuations - determined the ideal conditions for the growth of Mencia (a special grape variety from which the exquisite Bierzo table wines are made, characterized by their characteristic acidity and delicious structure).
- DO Ribera del Duero (Ribera del Duero) - these vineyards are located in three provinces: Avila, Valladolid and Segovia. The best white wines of Spain are produced here. The hallmark of the region is the unique Verdejo grape variety that local winemakers have been cultivating for hundreds of years. It is this variety that gives the noble drinks an exquisite taste that is distinguished by its characteristic grassy notes and rich aftertaste.
Wines of Andalusia
Andalusia is the birthplace of Spain's sweet wines. The history of winemaking in this region dates back to the first millennium BC. A typical arid climate is not favorable for growing vineyards, which are used to make dry wines, which is why local winemakers have developed a special wine aging technology that allows you to produce aromatic drinks that harmoniously emphasize the taste of unique dishes of traditional Spanish cuisine.
Distinctive features of Andalusian wine are richness and versatility. The tart taste is effectively complemented by a pleasant and rich aroma that gradually flows into an amazing aftertaste that has velvety notes with characteristic fruity and woody aromas. Only a few DOs are officially registered, the most famous of which is DO Jerez-Xérés-Sherry (Jerez-Jerez-Sherry).
A separate history of Spanish distilleries - Jerez
In order to feel the unusual taste of wine, you should definitely try the Spanish sherry, which is a dry white wine with a strength of up to 20%. It is kept in oak, not fully filled barrels under a film consisting of specific yeast cells. So, in almost every restaurant or cafe in Spain (in particular, Andalusia), visitors will be offered a glass or a bottle of this noble drink. By the way, you need to serve it chilled in a special glass, which in shape resembles a tulip bud. There is another feature of serving a peculiar traditional drink in Spain - a glass with a capacity of up to 100 grams is not completely filled. This is necessary so that the wine can “play” with its taste, aroma and rich aftertaste.
Wine culture
Semi-sweet wines of Spain, red and white varieties, as well as dry and table grape wines are very popular not only in the country, but also far beyond its borders. Nevertheless, only in Spain this drink is treated with special respect and respect, because it is no coincidence that many travel companies, in addition to traditional tours, are developing a fairly large number of wine travel programs in this country.
For example, many tourists from different parts of the world with great pleasure attend the annual event, which takes place at the end of June in one of the largest wine-growing regions - the wine battle in Rioja. This peculiar carnival has its own unique features and features - throughout the city, in addition to targets and snipers, a huge number of people dressed in white clothes appear, and various containers with red wine are used as weapons. In addition, in the same Rioja is the world's largest wine museum - this institution belongs to the well-known distillery Dinastia Vivanco.
Numerous tourists and fans of colorful Spanish wine enjoy visiting Castile and Leon, which, in turn, are famous for traditional distilleries that produce fine wines according to ancient recipes and technologies.
Of course, all trips to Spain are accompanied by numerous tastings, during which every tourist can taste the best varieties of this noble drink, learn the history of Catalan and Andalusian distilleries, as well as get acquainted with some secrets of growing the best grape varieties.
Wine culture in Spain is felt everywhere. This drink is drunk not only at the festive table or on special occasions - it is consumed at lunch or during a siesta, dear guests are treated with wine, and also complement the taste of traditional Spanish dishes. Of course, in every glass of exquisite white or red wine, you can see how the warm rays of the sun gently caress the golden vineyards, which later, thanks to the skill of local winemakers, turn into an exquisite and noble drink, known far beyond Spain.
Wine combination
As you know, not every wine is suitable for a particular dish. Moreover, an improperly selected drink can significantly spoil the taste of the main dish or snacks.
So, red wines go very well with meat. Veal, lamb, pork or beef, as well as spicy sauces and a Spanish passion for spices - all this will very harmoniously emphasize a glass of good red wine. In addition, this noble ruby color drink effectively complements traditional Spanish fish dishes.
White wine is more harmoniously combined with light snacks. Desserts, fruits, ice cream, light salads and seafood dishes - the taste of these delights will certainly highlight dry or semi-sweet white wine.