Spain
Spain is the second largest producer of wine in the world, the largest being France and the third Italy. The best known Spanish wine is probably Sherry, which is produced in Jerez. The country’s three most important red wine regions are Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Penedes.
In Rioja, the law permits the use of four red grape varieties. Tempranillo is the primary grape used, followed by Garnacha (also known as Grenache), Graciano and Mazuelo. The latter two are excellent but difficult to grow varieties. Crianza wines are those that have been aged for two years, Reservas are aged three years, and Gran Reservas (also known as Reserva Especial) are aged at least five years.
Ribera del Duero lacks the long history of Rioja and was recognized as an official wine region in 1982. Penedes produces both red and white wines. The largest Spanish wine brand name, Torres, is a major producer there.
Quality
Until about 25 years ago, Spanish red wines were generally of mediocre quality. Many were aged too long in wood, overpowering their freshness and fruit character. However, quality has risen to the point that they compete successfully in the international market. Very high quality Spanish wines have recently become “trendy” in some circles.
Wine critic Robert M. Parker, Jr. has identified the following as Spain`s greatest estates: Artadi, Clos Erasmus, Alvaro Palacios, Tinto Pesquera, Dominio de Pingus, and Bodega Vega Sicilia.
Mas La Plana 1970 (then known as `Gran Coronas Black Label`) received first place in the important Cabernet blend category of the Wine Olympics.
Appellation
Denominación de Origen is an appellation primarily for Spanish wines, but also other foodstuffs. It is parallel with the hierarchical system of France (1935) and Italy (1966) although Rioja (1925) and Sherry (1933) preceded the full system. As of 2006, 72 wine regions have EU QWPSR (Quality Wine Produced in Specific Regions) status:
3 Denominación de Pago (DO de Pago): Individual single-estates with an international reputation
2 Denominación de Origen Calificada/Qualificada (DOCa/DOQ - Denominació d`Origen Qualificada in Catalan): Regions with (allegedly) a track record of consistent quality
62 Denominación de Origen (Denominació d\\\\\\\'Origen in Catalan - DO): mainstream quality-wine regions
5 Vino de Calidad Producido en Región Determinada (VCPRD): a `starter home` for wine regions climbing the quality ladder.
There are also some 55 country wine areas (Vinos de la Tierra - VdlT) which do not have EU QWPSR status but which may use a regional name.
The 72 recognized wine producing regions in Spain grow a wide diversity of grapes, mostly of native origin. The great variety of wines with unfamiliar names causes confusion among many consumers.
Wine regions
Spain`s major wine producing areas are:
Almansa
Calatayud
Cariñena
Jerez
Jumilla
La Mancha
Rias Baixas
Ribera del Duero
Rioja
Toro
Utiel-Requena
Valencia
This article is based entirely or in part on the
Spain wikipedia article
and is licenced under the terms of the
GNU Free Documentation Licence.
Contact
If we can be of any assistance please don't hesitate to contact us, or drop by the Rose & Crown during business hours:
email: roseandcrown@alderney.ws
phone: +44 (0) 1481 823414
fax: +44 (0) 1481 823615
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Alderney
UK Channel Islands
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In this categoryAmeztoi 2001, Bodegas Valderroa
A fragrant, light, dry white with whitecurrant fruit, crisp acidity and distinct petillance on the palate. Excellent with shellfish and indeed all fish dishes. [read on...]
A B V: 10.5% Vintage: 2001 Color: Country: Spain Code: 52763
Blanco Nieva Verdejo 2005
This wine is a real rarity. Made from 100% Verdejo, the vineyards date back to the prefiloxera era, so are over 100 years of age. The
capriciousness of nature has meant that Vines de Nieva alone can market this wine, which explains its great scarcity. The resultant wine is bright with a powerful aroma, full long fresh and elegant. The flavour is fruity (white flowers, fresh fruit and green apples) and has a hint of minerals and anis. Production is very limited - a maximum of 2,800 dozen in most years. Recommended with cold dishes, starters, shellfish and fish in light sauces. [read on...]
A B V: 12.5% Vintage: 2005 Color: Country: Spain Code: 63945
Clos de l`Obac 2000
This wine oozes class, from the restrained oak aromas on the nose to the whack of clean berry fruit on the palate, mixed with a dash of mineral from the slatey soils. Silky tannins and sherry elegance of structure complete the whole sensation. Outstanding. [read on...]
Vintage: 2000 Color: Country: Spain Code: 58011
Cune Crianza 2006
Bright cherry colour with some violet nuances. On the nose, red berries aromas remain over the oaky and balsamic notes from its aging in wood. [read on...]
A B V: 13.5% Vintage: 2006 Color: red Country: Spain Code: 73502
Cune Reserva 2005
Intense ruby red, bright and deep in colour. Rich aromas of bramble, red autumn fruit with a hint of balsamic and warm spices from fine oak. The palate if fine, complex and long with balanced tannis and an excellent bright finish. [read on...]
A B V: 13.5% Vintage: 2005 Color: red Code: 73510
Freixinet Brut Rose NV Spain
[read on...]
A B V: 12% Vintage: non-vintag Color: unspecifie Country: Spain Region: Barcelona Code: 27
Herederos Lurton Rosado 2008
[read on...]
A B V: 12.5% Vintage: 2008 Color: rose Country: Spain Code: 72999
Hermanos Viura Y Verdejo D.O. Rueda 04
An intriguing marriage of the Viura and Verdelho grapes offering an unique style. There is just a hint of sweetness at first then a huge complex myriad of flavours, a touch of tropical fruit and suggestion of apricots with crisp acidity to bind it all together. [read on...]
A B V: 12.5% Vintage: 2004 Color: Country: Spain Code: 60974
Los Navales Verdejo 2005
Produced from second run pure Verdejo this wine normally is a blend of Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc but not 2004. This is a wine that classically expresses the style and character of this grape variety in this region. Fresh, mouthwatering exotic fruit (pineapple, ripe fruits, grapefruit) with blancing crispness. Excellent as an aperitif or with selected entrees and especially shellfish. [read on...]
A B V: 12.5% Vintage: 2005 Color: Country: Spain Code: 64006
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