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
The Rose & Crown Hotel
Le Huret,
Alderney
UK Channel Islands
Delivery on Alderney is free :-) we deliver Monday to Saturday between 10am and 1pm.
Please note that we cannot deliver off-island.
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