With more land under vine than anywhere else, Spain is one of the biggest wine producing countries in the world. From Rioja to Ribera del Duero, Rias Baixas to Rueda, the diversity is such that you’ll find something for everyone. Production is a combination of traditional and modern, and you’ll find good quality wines from small, niche winemakers as well as from the very biggest companies.
Rioja led the charge and certainly held the reputation of producing Spain’s finest reds for many years. Investment coupled with modern winemaking techniques has improved the quality across the board and now Rioja is being challenged by the likes of Ribera del Duero, Sardon del Duero and Priorat for the top spot.
Tempranillo and Garnacha are the main red varieties, but you’ll also find Carinena, Monastrell and Mencia around the country.
Tempranillo was traditionally harvested early in the season and the name comes from temprano which is Spanish for early. The grape is known as Tinto Fino (or Tinto del Pais) in Ribera del Duero, Ull de Llebre in Catalonia, and Cencibel in La Mancha. It blends well with Garnacha and suits a bit of time in oak. This results in very food friendly wines which are released when they’re ready to drink as opposed to as soon as possible following the harvest. This approach helped to build the popularity of these wines in Scotland as we didn’t need to cellar the bottles before we could enjoy them. Instant gratification.
Here are a couple to enjoy this weekend.
Cune Reserva Rioja 2014 (Waitrose, £26.69 for a magnum). This is a classic example of Rioja featuring the Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes. The magnum is 1.5 litres, equivalent to two standard sized bottles which makes this Reserva excellent value. Magnums look great on the dinner table, and you should try this one with lamb.
Torresilo Cillar de Silos Ribera del Duero 2016 (Majestic, £36.99). This is a big, rich wine made from old vine Tempranillo. Older vines produce fewer grapes, but the grapes are just better. It’s an expensive bottle, but a real treat with a nice bit of venison.
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