Spanish Wine

Spanish Wines from Great Wines Direct

Wines produced in Spain have long been known around the world, although not all have enjoyed a good reputation in recent years. Spain has more than 1.17 million hectares of vineyards, and this has earned it the honour of being the nation with the most widely planted wine producing areas, however, in terms of production, it only ranks 3rd in the world, following France and Italy. The main reason for this is that the old vines are widely spaced and only produce low yields due to the infertile and dry soil that is found in so many of Spain's wine producing regions.

Spain has many native varieties of grape, and there are more than 400 different grape varieties planted across the country. Despite this, 80% of the wine produced here comes from just 20 different types of grape, including the well-known red Garnacha, Monastrell, and Tempranillo varieties, and the white Albarino, Palomino, Macabeo, and Airen varieties. There are also three types of grapes used to make cava: Parellada, Macabeo, and Xarel-lo.

The best known Spanish regions for wine production include Ribera del Duero and Rioja, both of which are famous for Tempranillo varieties. Rias Baixas, to the north-west of Galicia, is also known for producing fine white wine from the Albarino grape.

The most prevalent grape variety in Spain is the airen, which is known for its resistance to drop and its hardiness. The wines made using this grape are very high in alcohol and are also prone to oxidation. The next most frequently seen grape is the Tempranillo, which comes under a number of local names.

Today’s Spanish wine industry is becoming more modern, and this has led to more international varieties of grape being introduced to blends, including the ever-popular Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay grapes.

Read our blog - Why Spanish Wines are Among the Best in the World!

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White 12

Bodega Cerron Remordimiento White 2023 75cl £15.62

Red 14

Bodegas Verum Garnacha Ilusio CDVIN 2021 75cl £52.67

This has a strikingly vivid, transparent cherry red colour, and an equally striking nose with the immediate appeal of fresh raspberries and rose petals, followed by layers of herbal, savoury, peppery, spicy complexity Fragrant, fresh, juicy and soft in the mouth, with cherry and strawberry jam, and a hint of lychee An irresistibly lip-smacking Garnacha

Red 14

Bodegas Verum Iter SVS Tempranillo 2021 75cl £47.04

This superb wine is intense yet elegant, with a wonderfully pure, deep, black cherry aroma, and a subtle coconut creaminess It is supple and soft-textured, and its gentle tannins allow early enjoyment, with potential for cellaring if desired It has fine balance of acidity to ripe fruit - just right

White 13

Albarino Arousa 21 Martin Codax 75cl £29.45

Red 12.5

Campo Viejo Blanco NV 75cl NV £14.62

Rose 13

Care Solidarity Rose 2023 75cl £10.28

Bright pale pink color with violet reflections Fresh aromas of red fruits and cream caramel On the palate, the wine is fresh with a great balanced acidity Wide and enjoyable mid-palate, remembering the fruits that appeared on the nose 10% of the benefits of this wine are donated to AMAC-GEMA, a local association of women with breast cancer

Red 11.5

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Alma de Vid Tinto 75cl £8.35

Malibu 70cl NV £27.85

White 12

Gramona Imperial Brut Organic 2018 75cl £29.59

Complex aromas of apple and white peach, with notes of aniseed, fennel, freshly-baked bread and a subtle hint of citrus peel Beautifully-balanced in the mouth, with hints of fine patisserie, roasted nuts, toast, yeast and buttery character Generous, full and creamy in texture, with velvety-smooth bubbles Refreshing finish, on which vibrant white flower and fruit aromas are manifested

White 12

Gramona Argent Blanc de Blancs Brut 2019 75cl £50.39

Subtle, elegant and fresh, with aromas of lemon zest, pink grapefruit, golden apple and nectarine at first, followed by delicate hints of bread crust, lemon biscuit and toasted almonds Notes of spring blossom and fennel suggest its distinctive vineyard origins On the palate, there is both freshness and body, with delicate, fine bubbles Dry, with good acidity, it expresses fruits, nuts and a mineral touch Gramona's viticulture is based on careful observation and the management of the factors which influence the terroir and habitat No chemical herbicides or pesticides are employed, instead utilising natural resources, with the primary aim of maintaining a balance in the environment Spontaneous ground cover is encouraged in order to improve soil structure, and biodynamics, which goes beyond organic growing, helps breathe life into the vineyards to raise levels of biodiversity Plant-based infusions and decoctions are deployed against pest infestations, and the only fertiliser used is careful application of exclusively home-produced organic compost

Rose 12

Gramona Pinot Noir Rose Brut 2021 75cl £34.14

Red 13

Vina Mein O Gran Mein Tinto 2020 75cl £45.78

Vina Mein and Emilio Rojo represent the quality, essence and authenticity of small-production winemaking in Ribeiro A rich and beautiful mosaic of varieties, plantings and ancestral crops are the pieces that make up its exceptionally rich and unique wine and cultural heritage Ribeiro is all about geography and history, exceptional vineyards, biodiversity and sustainability Local varieties adapted to the climate and soil over hundreds of years is the great treasure of this land Since the 13th Century, grapevines have been the only crop cultivated in the Avia Valley The San Clodio Monastery, the most important religious center in the region for centuries, transformed the valley into the heart of wine production in Ribeiro Cistercian and Benedictine abbots controlled production and established what is now the trademark of this region

Red 13.5

Brisa Tempranillo 20 Garcon 75cl £9.66

Red 14.5

Cuentavinas Rioja Single Vineyard Alomado 2021 75cl £54.38

This single-vineyard field blend is a contemporary take on a traditional style, and incorporates around 20% of co-fermented white varieties It has pinpoint precision and bright vivacity, with crisp, juicy cherry fruit and attractively herbal leafiness At the intersection of freshness and ripeness, it shows extraordinary integration of all its components and is so elegant as to be almost delicate Its depth becomes evident on the palate, with black cherry, dark chocolate, almond and liquorice, which sustain on the long finish An astonishingly brilliant wine—amazing!

Red 14.5

Cuentavinas Rioja Garnacha 2021 75cl £54.38

From vines aged more than 100 years, situated in a vineyard on the Ebro's right bank, this has a vibrant raspberry juice colour and irresistibly juicy Garnacha aroma of strawberry cordial and hints of morello cherry and orange zest It's a pleasure just to inhale it for a few minutes Upon taking a sip, one is confronted by glorious freshness and purity, seamlessly supple texture, exceptional balance and elegance Raspberries, liquorice and pink peppercorns An utterly lovely wine

White 11.5

Rama Viura Blanco 2023 75cl £9.06

Lively tropical notes of pineapple and bananas, with a floral hint Lovely citrus fruit and a refreshing palate