Spanish Wine (Regions, Classification, 10 Best Bottles 2024)

From an age-worthy, highly collectible Gran Reserva to the decadent Sherry wine - there’s a Spanish wine for all wine lovers! 

There’s also a huge variety of blue-chip wines for discerning collectors to choose from. Today, some bottles from Rioja, Priorat, and Bierzo command high prices and have their own cult following.

In this article, we dive into the world of Spanish wine - its colorful history, classification system, wine regions, popular wine styles, and the best Spanish wines to buy in 2024. Also, find out a hassle-free way to invest in exotic wines from Spain!

A Quick Overview Of Spanish Wine

Spain is the world’s second-largest wine-producing country and produces unique red, white, and sparkling wine. It also has the largest vineyard area in the world.

Some of the most sought-after reds are the Tempranillo-based Rioja and Ribera Del Duero wines, and the Priorat wine. The other popular wines include Albarino and Godello white wines, fancy sparkling wines like Cava, and fortified Sherry.

Spain has 69 wine regions spread across the country - practically all communes in Spain produce wine. But, the best Spanish wines come from 8 major areas. 

Now:

Spain has centuries of history in prolific winemaking. So, before we explore these brilliant regions, let’s take a look at the history of Spanish wine.

A Brief Look Into The Rich History Of Spanish Wines

The Phoenicians introduced the first grapevines to Spain around 1100 BC and are credited with creating Spain’s oldest wine - Sherry. But it was the ancient Romans who started exporting them throughout Europe.     

Through the centuries, the Spanish wine industry faced several ups and downs.

• As the Roman empire declined, barbaric tribes invaded Spain, leading to a large-scale loss of Spanish vineyards.
• The Moors invasion in the 8th century AD further led to the decline of winemaking because of the Muslim faith of the rulers. Still, several califs and emirs owned vineyards and drank the wine produced from the local fruit.
• The Spanish wine industry was revived in the 15th century as the wines found a new market in Europe and America.
• The shortage of French wines further boosted the wine industry during the phylloxera epidemic of the 19th century.
• In the 20th century, Spain’s entry into the EU and new legal standards helped Spanish winemakers to produce and export brilliant wines across the globe.

Let’s understand the Spanish wine classification in detail.

The Spanish Wine Classification System: Denominación de origen 

The Denominación de Origen (DO) system classifies Spanish wines based on region and regulates their quality -  similar to the DOCG of Italy and Appellations d’origine Controlee (AOC) of France.

1. Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa)

The DOCa regions produce thehighest quality wine in Spain. Only the wines from the Rioja region and Priorat have this prestigious status.

2. Denominación de Origen (DO)

Spanish wines with a DO classification are sourced from the designated wine-growing region. Additionally, they must adhere to specific grape varieties, aging requirements, and wine styles.

The most prominent DOs are:

• Rías Baixas
• Penedès
• Jumilla
• Valencia
• Ribera del Duero

3. Vino de Pago

This is a single-estate classification given to high-end Spanish vineyards and wine estates that produce wines entirely within the estate (from harvest to aging.) 

4. Vino de Calidad Con Indicación Geográfica (VC) 

The VC category recognizes those wines that don't qualify as DO, but are still high-quality vinos.

5. Vino de la Tierra

This classification identifies the wines that adhere to only a few quality standards and offer higher quality than table wines. 

6. Vino de Mesa or Vino

These are Spanish table wines that do not include any specific region, grape, or vintage on their label. Spanish wine also has one of the following terms on its label to denote its aging period.

• Crianza: Red Crianza wine is aged in an oak barrel for a year. Crianza white is aged for at least six months.
• Reserva: Reserva red wine is aged for a minimum of three years with at least one year in an oak barrel. Reserva white wine is aged for a minimum of two years with at least six months in an oak barrel.
• Gran Reserva: Gran Reserva red wine is aged for at least five years while the white wine is aged for four years - a minimum of two years in a French oak barrel. 

Let’s take a look at the Spanish wine regions.

The Picturesque Wine Regions Of Spain

Spain has more than 2 million acres of vineyard fields situated across the country. Some well-known areas are:

• Rioja: Located in Ebro valley, the Rioja wine region is one of the biggest producers of red wines primarily made from Tempranillo grapes. 
• Catalonia: Close to the Mediterranean Sea, this sunny wine region is famous for its Cava sparkling wine. Priorat is the DOCa, and the major DOs are Penedes and Costers del Segre.
• Castilla y León: It is the country’s biggest wine-producing region situated in northwest Spain. Major DOs are El Bierzo, Rueda, Toro, and Ribera del Duero.
• Galicia: Another northwestern Spanish wine region is the country’s foremost producer of crisp white wines. Major DOs are Rías Baixas DO, Ribeira Sacra, Monterrei.
• Castilla la Nueva: This Spanish wine region is home to the delicious white grape varietal wine, Airén. An important DO is La Mancha.
• Aragon: Its deep red wine varietals are made from Garnacha, Carinena, and Tempranillo grapes.
• Andalucia: Andalucia in southern Spain is famed for its fortified wine Sherry.
• Navarra: This wine region in northern Spain lies on the border of Rioja and Aragon. The reds from Navarra include Tempranillo, and Merlot while whites are based on Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viura. It is also famous for Garnacha rose wines.

Other important Spanish wine regions are the Mediterranean coast, Duero River Valley, and the coastal Atlantic Ocean.

Let’s take a look at the Spanish winemakers’ craft.

Spain’s Unique Viticulture And Winemaking Techniques 

Over 600 grape varieties are planted throughout Spain. But the most popular grape varieties are: 

• Arien 
• Albarino
• Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)
• Bobal
• Garnacha
• Monastrell
• Verdejo
• Macabeo

Spain has an arid climate with frequent droughts. So, grape farmers plant their vines in widely spaced rows to reduce competition for natural resources, optimizing wine production.

The dry weather also reduces the risk of grape diseases like downy mildew and also reduces the development of botrytis cinerea.Spanish winemakers have been adopting modern wine production techniques like mechanical harvesting and American and French oak barrels for fermentation.

Most Popular Styles Of Spanish Wines

Spain produces all major styles of wine - red wine, sparkling wine, sweet wine, and white wine.   

1. Rioja wines

The Rioja region in Northern Spain produces both red and white wines that vary from fruity and aromatic to complex and bold. But, the region is most famous for its Rioja red wine.

The chief red wine grape varieties grown in this wine region are Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano, and Mazuelo. 2. Priorat wines.

The flavorful Priorat red wines from the Catalonia wine region are made from Garnacha, Cariñena (Carignan), and Syrah grape varieties. 

2. Ribera del Duero

Tempranillo or Tinto Fino is the main red wine grape of the Ribera del Duero region in northwest Spain. This Ribera del Duero wine style has dark fruit and berry flavors and hearty tannins.

The other grape varieties grown in the Spanish wine region of Ribera del Duero are Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot.

3. Cava

Cava is Spain’s equivalent of sparkling wine or Champagne. Cava is made from white wine grapes Macabeu, Xarello, and Parellada and may also contain  Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

4. Sherry

Sherry (Jerez) is a fortified wine produced in the Andalusia region. The Sherry wine style is nutty and can vary from dry to sweet.

5. Albariño

Albariño is a traditional Spanish white wine known for its high acidity and tannins.

6. Godello

Godello white wine made from Galicia has firm tannins and lemon flavors.

7. Rueda Verdejo

Rueda Verdejo is a white wine produced from the Verdejo grape variety in Rueda. Verdejo is characterized by its dry and fruity flavor. 

The Rueda region also produces cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc wines.

Best Spanish Wines To Buy in 2024 (Including Tasting Notes, Prices)

Here are some of the best Spanish wines to buy in 2024.

1. 2013 Alvaro Palacios L'Ermita Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa, Spain

This 2013 vintage by Alvaro Palacios winery is made from the Garnacha grape variety. It has notes of black fruit, chocolate, and oak, and the palate is fruity with firm tannins.

Price of 2013 Alvaro Palacios L'Ermita Velles Vinyes, Priorat DOCa, Spain: $2,287

2. 2008 Teso La Monja, Toro, Spain 

Produced by leading Spanish winemaker Sierra Cantabria, this Tinto De Toro wine is rich and intense with earthy oak, tobacco, and leather notes.

Price of 2008 Teso La Monja, Toro, Spain - $2104

3. 2014 Descendientes de J. Palacios La Faraona, Bierzo, Spain 

This 2014 vintage from the Mencia grape varietal is a great wine, with a score of 100 by Robert Parker. The palate has notes of black fruit (mostly blackcurrant) that pairs well with poultry.

Price of 2014 Descendientes de J. Palacios La Faraona, Bierzo, Spain: $1,557

4. 2004 Dominio de Pingus 'Pingus', Ribera del Duero, Spain 

This Tempranillo red grape wine from the Castilla y Leon region has a bold and tannic palate that goes well with beef and lamb.

Price of 2004 Dominio de Pingus 'Pingus', Ribera del Duero, Spain: $1,039

5. 1999 Bodegas Valduero 12 Años Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain 

This Gran Reserva vintage was awarded a Grand gold by the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Wine Competition. It has dense fruit flavors, with chocolate and pepper notes.

Price of 1999 Bodegas Valduero 12 Años Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain: $976

6. 1957 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva Blanco, Rioja DOCa, Spain 

This 1957 old vine from the Rioja Alta region is a stunning white wine from the Viura grape variety. It is a buttery and complex wine, with highlights of vanilla, oak, and stewed fruit.

Price of 1957 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva Blanco, Rioja DOCa, Spain: $945

7. 2018 Vega Sicilia Unico Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain 

This Spanish red is a Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon blend with exquisitely balanced tannins - a must-try drink for every wine drinker!

Price of 2018 Vega Sicilia Unico Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain: $818

8. 2011 Sierra Cantabria 'Mágico', Rioja DOCa, Spain 

The 2011 Magico vintage is a classic Rioja Alta blend with strong notes of the tempranillo grape. It is intense and savory with notes of oak and cherry.

Price of 2011 Sierra Cantabria 'Magico', Rioja DOCa, Spain: $644

9.2015 Bodega Lanzaga 'Las Beatas', Rioja DOCa, Spain

The 2015 Bodega Lanzanga vintage is a rare red blended wine with hints of cedar and bell pepper. It pairs well with lamb and venison.

Price of 2015 Bodega Lanzaga 'Las Beatas', Rioja DOCa, Spain: $468

10. 2011 La Rioja Alta S.A. Gran Reserva 890, Rioja DOCa, Spain

The 2011 Gran Reserva 890 from the La Rioja Alta winery is a popular Tempranillo blend. This classic and savory red wine has notes of cedar, cassis, and tobacco. 

Price of 2011 La Rioja Alta S.A. Gran Reserva 890, Rioja DOCa, Spain: $384

Is It Worth Investing In Spanish Wines?

The best Spanish Tempranillo wines (Rioja and Ribera del Duero’s Vega Sicilia and Pingus) can age for more than 20 years in your cellar.

Moreover, many luxury wine brands of Spain like Val Llach Cellars and Benjamin Romeo’s single vineyard Riojas are focusing on high-quality wines through small-scale production - moving into the “cult” league especially for newer collectors.

In 2020, the Spanish fine wine market witnessed a 90% growth in value of wines traded compared to 2019 (Liv-Ex.) Here are some examples:

• The price of the 2008 vintage of Teso La Monja grew 51% from $1,390 to $2,110 from June 2020 to April 2021.
• The 2019 Descendientes de J. Palacios La Faraona grew from $643 to $1,125, a 72% increase within a year of its launch (April 2020 to March 2021.)

With steady price growth, low production volumes, and lower price tags than the French counterparts, Spanish wines have caught the attention of trend-setting collectors and wine enthusiasts.But how do you take advantage of the investment opportunity provided by these lovely Spanish wines? 

You may need the help of wine experts to help you select the best wines. The team of Master Sommeliers atVinovestis ready to help.

Invest In Spanish wines Through Vinovest

Vinovestis a world-class wine investment company that lets you source, store and sell investment-grade wines from around the world.

Be it a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or a Ribera del Duero - you can buy or sell any wine with just a few clicks!

How Does It Work?

Here's how you can get started in four simple steps:

1. Sign up at the Vinovest website.

2. Fill out a questionnaire to share your investing style with Vinovest’s wine experts.

3. Add a minimum of $1,000 to your Vinovest account.

4. Buy a brilliant Cabernet Sauvignon or Champagne and watch your portfolio grow. 

 Benefits Of Vinovest 

Here are a few advantages of choosing Vinovest as your wine investment partner.

1. Best Prices

Vinovest sources Sauvignon Blanc and other wines from global wine exchanges, wineries, and wine auctions - so you always get your bottle at the best price.

2. AI-Driven Platform

Vinovest’s AI-powered platform can help you buy and sell your Spanish red wine or other collectibles hassle-free with just a few clicks.

3. Comprehensive insurance and security

All your wine purchases come with insurance, so you don't need to worry about breakages, losses, or even theft.

4. Deep Network

Vinovest gives you access to the rarest wineries, renowned (and also upcoming) vineyards, and limited edition bottles from brilliant winemakers.

5. Easy Delivery

Want to open your Pinot Noir for a special occasion, or found the perfect buyer for your vintage? Vinovest will deliver the bottle to your (or your buyer’s) doorstep hassle-free - be it California or Ribera del Duero.

6. Ownership

With Vinovest, you have complete control over which bottles of wine you buy and own. 

7. Portfolio Management

Vinovest's team of brilliant wine experts and data scientists helps you build your wine collection, track your investments, and help you get maximum returns.

8. Provenance And Authenticity

Vinovest’s wine experts track the provenance of every wine you buy through them, ensuring you don’t get a counterfeit bottle.

Buy A Spanish Wine Worthy Of Your Collection

Spanish wine reflects the brilliance of local and global grape varieties and provides a stunning array of options for wine lovers to pick from.

Whether you want to laze around with a fruity vino or get an age-worthy Gran Reserva wine for your portfolio - Spanish wines will not disappoint.

With Vinovest, you get the best of Spanish wines and other fine wines from all across the globe. Get started on your wine investment journey by signing up now.