Viva El Vino!
An In-Depth Look Into Spain's Rich and Flavorful Wines
Spain is a country known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, and most importantly, its world-renowned wines. Spanish wine has a long and fascinating history, with many different regions producing unique and delicious varieties. Let's explore the history of Spanish wine production and take a deep dive into the most popular wine-producing regions in Spain.
How Long Has Spain Been Producing Wine?
Wine has been produced in Spain for over 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world with Georgia being the oldest documented wine region with historical recordings of wine production dating back to 6,000BC! Spain's warm, dry climate and diverse geography, combined with a rich cultural history, have contributed to the country's long and fascinating wine-making history.
Spain’s wine industry experienced a period of expansion and growth over the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The introduction of new grape varieties from the Americas led to the creation of unique blends and styles. Conversely, the nineteenth and twentieth centuries brought some challenges to Spain's wine industry including the phylloxera epidemic and the Spanish Civil War. Despite these setbacks, Spanish winemakers continued to innovate and adapt. In the 1970s and 1980s, Spain began to emerge as a major player in the global wine industry, with new wineries and wine regions popping up throughout the country.
Today, Spain is the third-largest wine producer in the world, with over 2.9 million acres of vineyards and a diverse range of wine styles. Some of the most famous wine regions in Spain include Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, and Jerez. Spanish winemakers continue to experiment and innovate, using modern techniques and technology to produce high-quality wines that reflect the country's rich cultural heritage.
What Grape Varieties are Grown In Spain?
Spain is renowned for its wine production, with a rich history dating back to the Phoenicians and Romans. The country boasts over 60 wine regions and a diverse range of grape varieties grown in different climates and soils, resulting in a plethora of unique and delicious wines.
Tempranillo: Tempranillo is a versatile grape that can produce wines that range from light and fruity to full-bodied and complex. It typically has flavors of red fruit, leather, tobacco, and vanilla, and is known for its ability to age gracefully.
Garnacha: Garnacha is grown in many regions, including Navarra, Priorat, and Calatayud. It is a grape that produces wines with high alcohol content and flavors of red and black fruit, spices, and earthy notes.
Monastrell: Monastrell, also known as Mourvèdre in other parts of the world, is a grape variety that is primarily grown in the southeastern region of Spain, particularly in Jumilla, Yecla, and Alicante. It is a grape that thrives in hot and dry climates, producing full-bodied and intense wines with flavors of black fruit, chocolate, and spices. Monastrell is often blended with other grapes, but can also be used on its own.
Albariño: Albariño is a white grape variety that is grown in the northwestern region of Spain, particularly in Rias Baixas. It produces wines that are crisp, refreshing, and aromatic, with flavors of citrus, peach, and apricot. Albariño is known for its ability to pair well with seafood and other light dishes.
Verdejo: Verdejo is another white grape variety that is grown primarily in the Rueda region of Spain. It produces wines that are aromatic, with flavors of tropical fruit, citrus, and herbs. Verdejo is often used to make light and refreshing wines, but can also be used to produce more complex and age-worthy wines.
These are just a few of the many grape varieties that are grown in Spain. Each region has its own unique varieties, and there is always something new to discover in the world of Spanish wine. Whether you prefer red or white, light or full-bodied, fruity or spicy, there is sure to be a Spanish wine that suits your taste.
What Are The Wine Regions Of Spain?
Spain’s diverse climate and topography make it a great location for growing a wide variety of grape varieties, resulting in an impressive range of styles and flavors. Let’s explore the different regions in Spain where wine is grown to discover what makes each one unique.
Rioja: One of the most well-known wine regions in Spain, Rioja is located in the northern part of the country. The region is famous for producing red wines made from the Tempranillo grape, which is often blended with Garnacha and Graciano. Rioja wines are typically aged for several years in oak barrels, resulting in a complex and flavorful wine with notes of vanilla, spice, and red fruit.
Ribera del Duero: Located in the Castilla y León region of Spain, Ribera del Duero is known for its full-bodied red wines made from the Tempranillo grape. These wines are often aged for several years, resulting in a rich, full-bodied wine with intense flavors of black fruit and spice.
Priorat: Located in the Catalonia region of Spain, Priorat is known for its high-quality red wines made from the Garnacha and Cariñena grapes. These wines are grown on steep, rocky hillsides, which give them a unique character and complexity. Priorat wines are typically full-bodied with intense flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and licorice.
Rías Baixas: Located in the northwest corner of Spain, Rías Baixas is known for its white wines made from the Albariño grape. These wines are crisp, refreshing, and often have notes of citrus and tropical fruit. Rías Baixas is also home to a growing number of red wines made from the Mencía grape, which are typically light and fruity.
Cava: Cava is a sparkling wine that is produced in various regions throughout Spain, including Catalonia, Valencia, and Aragon. Cava is made using the traditional method, which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle, similar to Champagne. Cava is typically made from a blend of local grape varieties, including Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada.
Sherry: Sherry is a fortified wine that is produced in the Andalusia region of Spain. Sherry is made using the Palomino grape and is aged in oak barrels using a complex system of blending and aging called the solera system. Sherry comes in a variety of styles, from dry and crisp Fino to rich and sweet Pedro Ximénez.
Clearly, Spain has a long and rich history of wine production, with many different regions producing unique and delicious wines. Whether you prefer red, white, or sparkling wine, there is sure to be a Spanish wine that you will love!
What Spanish Wines Are Available At PARC Aspen?
We are proud to offer a variety of Spanish wines spanning many regions and grape varieties.
PARC Aspen’s Spanish Whites
PARC Aspen offers Spanish whites by the glass and the bottle from the following producers:
Abadia de San Campio, Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain
Enric Soler, Espenyalluchs, Penedès
Mas Candi, QX Quatre Xarel·los, Penedès
Valdespino, Inocente, Fino, Jerez-Xérès-Sherry, 375ml
Valdespino, Tio Diego, Amontillado, Jerez-Xérès-Sherry, 375ml
Viña AB, Amontillado, Jerez-Xérès-Sherry
PARC Aspen’s Spanish Reds
PARC Aspen offers Spanish reds by the glass and the bottle from the following producers:
Multiple vintages of Artadi, Pagos Viejos, Rioja Alavesa
Multiple vintages of Benjamin Romeo, La Cueva del Contador
Multiple vintages of Finca Allende, Calvario
Finca Allende, Gaminde
Lan, Edición Limitada
Multiple vintages of Lopez de Heredia, Viña Tondonia, Gran Reserva,
Macán Clássico
Multiple vintages of Muga, Prado Enea, Gran Reserva
Book your table today to enjoy our extensive selection of Spanish wines and don’t forget to ask your server about our suggested pairings.
