With overproduction in the late 80's many vineyards were abandoned. Projects such as Comando G from Daniel Landi have since found these lost vineyards which often have vines that have had to delve their roots deep to survive. These wines are producing incredibly high quality but small amounts of fruit that have helped create a new modern wave of young winemakers making exceptional wines.
Situated in the region of Rioja, La Rioja is another iconic Spanish wine region. With a winemaking history dating back thousands of years, Rioja has solidified its status as a premium wine-producing area. This region is renowned for its exceptional red wines made primarily from the Tempranillo grape, often blended with other varieties such as Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. Rioja wines are classified into four categories—Joven, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva—indicating the ageing period and resulting style of each wine.
Moving towards the central part of Spain, we find the captivating region of Ribera del Duero. Renowned for its robust and age-worthy red wines, Ribera del Duero has emerged as a strong competitor to Rioja. Tempranillo, known in the region as Tinto del País, thrives in Ribera del Duero's extreme climate and high elevation, resulting in elegant and structured wines. Ribera del Duero wineries, such as Vega Sicilia and Alejandro Fernández Tinto Pesquera, have gained global acclaim for their exceptional craftsmanship.
Cava:
Cava is a sparkling wine region located primarily in Catalonia, Spain. Made using the traditional method, Cava wines are produced from indigenous grape varieties such as Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Known for their lively bubbles and refreshing character, Cava wines are cherished worldwide.
Catalonia wine region:
Nestled in the northeast corner of the country, Catalonia stands as a beacon of Spanish winemaking. Home to Barcelona, Catalonia boasts several illustrious wine regions, including the renowned Penedès and Priorat. Penedès is famous for its sparkling Cava wines, produced using the traditional method and made primarily from local grape varieties like Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. Priorat, on the other hand, is known for its powerful, intense red wines crafted from Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan) grapes, showcasing the region's rugged and mountainous terroir.
Jerez wine region:
Venturing further south, Andalusia beckons with its unique winemaking practices. Known for its fortified wines, most notably Sherry, the region embodies the captivating intersection of Moorish and Spanish influences. Sherry wines are produced using Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel grapes, with the unique solera aging system adding complexity and depth to these beloved wines. Besides Sherry, Andalusia also produces excellent red wines in regions like Montilla-Moriles and Condado de Huelva.
Valencia Wine Region:
Encompassing the eastern coast of Spain, the Mediterranean region of Valencia offers a diverse array of wines. Valencia is known for producing approachable and fruit-forward red wines, often made from the native Bobal variety. The region also excels in producing aromatic white wines from grape varieties like Moscatel and Merseguera. Additionally, Valencia's neighbouring region, Alicante, crafts bold and full-bodied red wines from the Monastrell (Mourvèdre) grape, especially in the renowned sub-zone of Vinalopó.
