Spain is the third largest wine-producing country in the world. You'll find a variety of wine styles, from dry red Rioja to sweet Sherry to sparkling Cava.
When shopping for wine from Spain, bottles are labeled with the region versus the type of grape. This can make selecting a bottle tricky if you are unfamiliar with the specific styles of wine found in each region. Spain is also home to grape varieties you will rarely see elsewhere, such as Xarel-lo, used to make Cava, and Viura (or Macabeo), used to make white wines.
To make finding a wine easier, we highlighted some of the most famous Spanish wine regions below. We cover the primary grape varietals of the region, the flavors you can expect in the wines, and a few selections to help you find a new favorite.
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Wines from Rioja
Tempranillo
Rioja is probably the most well-known wine-growing region in Spain and is famous for its bold red wines. The primary grape grown here is Tempranillo, which is often blended with Garnacha (or Grenache in France) and other native red grapes. Rioja red wines range from young, fresh, and fruity to aged, bold, and powerful. You'll find flavors of red and black cherry, plum, strawberry, vanilla, leather, and spices. If you are a Merlot or Bordeaux blend fan, give red Rioja a try.
Viura (Macabeo)
When it comes to white wines from Rioja (Yes, they produce white wines, too!), you'll be sipping on a blend of grapes, usually featuring Viura (or Macabeo) grapes. White Rioja wines are generally dry with notes of melon, lemongrass, toasted hazelnut, and lime. If you like Chardonnay, give these wines a go.
Wines from Priorat
Garnacha and Carineña
Located in the northeast corner of Spain near Barcelona in Catalunya, Priorat is a small region known for powerful red wines made from Garnacha and Carineña (or Carignan) grapes. These grapes are sometimes blended with international varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Priorat red wines are concentrated with flavors and aromas of red and black cherry, raspberry, plum, lavender, violet, and licorice. Wines from Priorat are often called the "Bordeaux blends" of Spain.
Wines from Ribera del Duero
Tempranillo (Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais)
Ribera del Duero is a very arid region with hot sunny days and cold nights. This type of climate produces Tempranillo grapes that create intense red wines with lots of tannin and dark cherry, blackberry, fig, leather, and sweet tobacco flavors. If you enjoy Cabernet from California, mix it up with a red wine from Ribera del Duero.
Wines from Rueda
Verdejo
Rueda is home to Verdejo-based white wines. Located in the northwest of Spain, hot summers and cold winters create the perfect climate to grow this varietal. Verdejo is usually a crisp, dry wine with flavors of lemon, lime, white peaches, and a touch of minerality. When aged in oak, the wines take on nutty toasted almond. If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, pick up a bottle of wine from Rueda on your next shopping trip.
Wines from Rías Baixas
Albariño
Located along the northwest coast of Spain, Rías Baixas (pronounced REE-us bye-SHUS) is known for crisp, aromatic, and zesty white wines made from Albariño grapes. The proximity to the ocean imparts a touch of salinity in these wines, complemented by fresh, bright flavors of lemon, lime, grapefruit, white peach, and ginger. Fans of dry Riesling may find a new favorite in Rías Baixas.
Penedes
Cava
If you love sparkling wine, Penedes is the region of Spain to know. Cava is Spain's sparkling wine and is made similarly to Champagne using the traditional method. Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada are the three main grapes used to make Cava resulting in wines that range from fresh and fruity to toasty and nutty with citrus, apple, and mineral notes.
