The Illustrated Guide to Spanish Wines

• THE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO • Spenish lines WHY SPANISH WINES? Spanish wines are as diverse as the regions they are made in, influenced by the climate and winemaking traditions in a particular area. This results in a vibrant and distinct selection of wines that produce consistent flavors. They are also more accessible due to its modest price points and pre-aging practices, giving connoisseurs a taste of cellared wines from the get-go. Spain is the third-largest producer of wine in the world. BILBAO Spain is the most widely planted wine-producing nation, with around 1.17 million hectares. O MADRID Spanish winemaking traditions can be traced back to the Roman era. GRAMADA The region of Castilla-La Mancha MALACA contains almost half of Spain's vineyards, spanning 473,331 hectares. There are over 400 varieties of grapes in Spain. The Rioja region has had over 1000 years of winemaking, with first mentions of it in official documents dating back to 1092. Sherry is Spanish in origin, hailing from the Jerez region. The term "Sherry" is exclusively used for the drink created in the region. Pablo Picasso's cubist works were heavily inspired by his time in the Terra Alta region, evidenced by his use of elements like vineyards and wine bottles. ΚΕY ΤERMS ΤΟ ΚNOW- Denominación de Aging Origen (DO) Denominación de Origen or "Destination of Origin;" identifies the geographical indicators of the wine region. Wines from the Rioja region are categorized as "Joven," "Crianza," "Reserva," or "Gran Reserva," depending on how long they've been aged. Body Sweetness How heavy or light wine is, depending on a multitude of aspects; the longer the flavor lasts in your mouth, the fuller the body is. Wines can run the spectrum of sweet to not-sweet or dry. Aside from affecting its taste, higher levels of residual sugar can make a wine more viscous and full-bodied. Acidity Tannin The tartness and zestiness of The bitter flavor added by grape a wine; high-acidity wines tend to be more light-bodied than a less acidic one. skin and seeds, as well as the bark of oak barrels; Tannin levels can affect the structure and complexity of a wine's flavors. Alcohol Alcohol content as measured in alcohol by volume (ABV); while alcohol flavor can differ from person to person, it consistently generates warmth at the back of the mouth and throat. • S PANISH RED WINE VARIETIES • Tmprailo TASTING NOTES: plum bay leaf sour cherry PRICE RANGE: $20 $35 REGIONS: Rioja, Ribera del Duero Roble, Valdepeñas, Tinto de Toro, La Mancha, Castilla-León, Extremadura Younger versions of Tempranillo feature spicy, fleshy, and tart flavors. Once aged, Tempranillo wines take on the complex flavors of brown spices. ha TASTING NOTES: dark raspberry red fruit licorice PRICE RANGE: $18 $35 REGIONS: Calatayud, Somotano, Navarra, Cariñena, Campo de Borja, La Mancha, Priorat (blended) Typical Garnacha will offer a sweet bouquet with a smooth finish, while high-end Garnacha has bolder, high-tannin profile due to longer aging and yields from older vines. Menestull TASTING NOTES: chocolate black plum black реpper PRICE RANGE: $10 $18 REGIONS: Murcia, south of Valencia The origin of the Mourvèdre in France, Monastrell wine is bold and dark with a smoky flavor profile. Mrncia TASTING NOTES: red fuit floral black licorice aromas PRICE RANGE: $20 $30 REGIONS: Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra, Monterrei, Valdeorras A medium-bodied wine with layers of red fruit, florals, and moderate tannins; depending on the region, Mencía wines can run lighter or rounder. PRICES ARE FROM WINE FOLLY • SPANISH WHITE WINE VARIETIES • Vendije TASTING NOTES: citrus melon nuts PRICE RANGE: $10 $32 REGIONS: Rueda Often described as aromatic with a strong tropical character, Verdejo wines are highly acidic with a bitter finish. When aged, a more complex, nutty flavor comes to light. TASTING NOTES: grapefruit lemon peaches almonds PRICE RANGE: $13 $56 REGIONS: Rias Baixas Albariño wines tend to have a zesty bouquet of grapefruit and lemon, giving it its signature light and fresh taste. Trakel: TASTING NOTES: citrus mineral PRICE RANGE: $16 $35 REGIONS: Basque Country Unique to its region, Txakoli wines are bright and citrusy. Its slight spritz gives it a crisp yet slightly rounded body and a mineral edge. Core/Crpisoat TASTING NOTES: floral aromas citrus PRICE RANGE: $10 $30 REGIONS: Catalonia Spain's answer to French Champagne and Italian Franciacorta, Cava is zesty and bright. Its floral aromas and citrus flavors are enhanced by the richness brought by the double fermentation process. PRICES ARE FROM WINE.COM AND DRIZLY ΤΧΑΝΤΟΝ SOURCES: blueosa.com | bodegamaestrazgo.com | decanter.com | drinks.seriouseats.com | foodswinesfromspain.com independent.co.uk | montemaggio.com | sincerelyspain.com | thelocal.es | winefolly.com | winetraveler.com G)