Spanish Red Wine: A Guide to the Best Wine Regions and Varietals

spanish red wine

Spain is the 3rd largest wine producing country in the world. It is a renowned producer of some of the world’s best red wines. From the sunny and dry regions of Andalusia to the more mountainous areas of Galicia, there are many different types of Spanish red wine to explore.

Today, Spanish wine is enjoyed all over the world for its diverse range of styles and flavors.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take a look at some of the best and most popular red wine varieties in Spain, as well as the wine regions to find them. So whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just starting to explore the world of reds, read on for all you need to know about Spain’s red wines!

What is the Most Popular Red Wine in Spain?

The most popular red Spanish wine is Rioja. Rioja is the most famous red wine region in Spain that produces wines that are elegant and balanced. The most important grape variety of the region is Tempranillo, which is often used to make single varietal wines.

What is the Difference Between Crianza and Reserva?

Crianza vs Reserva american oak barrels

Crianza and Reserva are two types of Rioja wines. Crianza wines are made from younger vines and are meant to be consumed within a few years of bottling. Reserva wines, on the other hand, are made from older vines and are meant to be aged for several years before drinking.

What are the 7 Most Popular Spanish Red Wine Varietals?

garnacha

1) Tempranillo

Tempranillo rioja wine
  • The most planted red grape in Spain
  • Grown all over the country, but particularly in Rioja and Ribera del Duero
  • Medium to full bodied with flavors of cherry, plum, tobacco, and spice

Tempranillo is the most popular Spanish red wine varietal for good reason. This versatile grape can be grown in a variety of climate and soil types, resulting in wines with different flavor profiles.

In the hot and dry regions of Spain, Tempranillo wines tend to be full-bodied with tasting notes of ripe fruit flavors. In cooler areas like Galicia or Ribera del Duero, the wines made from Tempranillo are more medium-bodied with more subtle fruit and earthy flavors.

No matter what style of Tempranillo you’re looking for, there’s sure to be a Spanish red made from this grape that you’ll love.

2) Garnacha

  • Grown in the hot and dry regions of Spain, like Aragon, Navarra, and La Mancha
  • Tasting notes of fruity flavors of strawberry and raspberry
  • Light to medium body

If you’re looking for a light and fruity red wine, then Garnacha is a great grape variety to try. These wines are typically grown in the hot and dry regions of Spain, like Aragon, Navarra, and La Mancha. The warm climate results in wines with ripe fruit flavors of strawberry and raspberry.

Garnacha wines are typically light to medium bodied, making them easy to drink and perfect for summertime sipping. If you’re looking for a refreshing red wine to enjoy on a warm day, then a Garnacha from Spain is sure to hit the spot.

3) Monastrell

  • Grown in the southeastern region of Spain, particularly in Jumilla and Yecla
  • Full-bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice

Monastrell is a full-bodied red wine grape variety that is predominantly grown in the southeastern region of Spain. The most important regions for Monastrell production are Jumilla and Yecla.

Wines made from Monastrell tend to be full-bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice. If you’re looking for a hearty Spanish red to enjoy with a meal, then a Monastrell is a great option.

4) Cariñena

sour cherry
Cariñena landscape
  • Grown in the Aragon region of Spain
  • Medium-bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and spice

Cariñena is a red wine grape variety that is predominantly grown in the Aragon region of Spain. The wines made from Cariñena are typically medium-bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and spice.

If you’re looking for a versatile Spanish wine that can be enjoyed with a variety of foods, then Cariñena is a great option. These wines are food-friendly and easy to drink, making them perfect for any occasion.

5) Graciano

  • Grown in the Rioja region of Spain
  • Medium-bodied with flavors of cherry, plum, and spice

Graciano is a red wine grape variety that is predominantly grown in the Rioja region of Spain. The wines made from Graciano are typically medium-bodied with flavors of cherry, plum, and spice.

If you’re looking for a Spanish red with classic Rioja flavors, then Graciano is a great grape variety to try. These wines are food-friendly and easy to drink, making them perfect for any occasion.

6) Mencía

  • Grown in the northwestern region of Spain, particularly in Bierzo and Galicia
  • Light to medium-bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and spice

Mencía is a red wine grape variety that is predominantly grown in the northwestern region of Spain. The most important regions for Mencía production are Bierzo and Galicia.

Wines made from Mencía are typically light to medium bodied with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and spice. If you’re looking for a refreshing red wine to enjoy on a warm day, then a Mencía from Galicia is sure to hit the spot.

7) Bobal

  • Grown in the southeastern region of Spain, particularly in Valencia and Murcia
  • Full-bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice
  • (3rd) Third most planted grape

Bobal is a red wine grape variety that is predominantly grown in the southeastern region of Spain. The most important regions for Bobal production are Valencia and Murcia.

Wines made from Bobal tend to be full-bodied with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice. If you’re looking for a hearty Spanish red to enjoy with a meal, then a Bobal from Valencia is a great option. 

What are the 9 Best Red Wine Regions of Spain?

Spain is home to a plethora of world-renowned red wine regions, each with their own unique climate and terroir. Here are the best red wine regions for Spanish wines:

1) Rioja

cabernet sauvignon rioja

The most famous Spanish wine region, Rioja produces wines that are renowned for their elegance and balance. The classic Rioja style is a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Mazuelo.

The Rioja region is divided into three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja, and Rioja Alavesa. Each sub-region has its own unique climate and soil type, which produces wines with distinct flavors and aromas.

2) Ribera del Duero

cabernet sauvignon

Ribera del Duero is located just to the east of Rioja and produces wines that are full-bodied and intensely flavored. The most famous grape of the region is Tempranillo, which is often used to make single varietal wines.

The Ribera del Duero region is divided into two sub-regions: Ribera del Duero and Ribera Alta.

3) Priorat

french oak barrels

Priorat is a small wine region located in northeastern Spain that is home to some of the country’s most prestigious wines. The wines of Priorat are powerful and concentrated, with intense flavors of dark fruit and spice. The most important grape varieties of the region are Garnacha and Cariñena.

Priorat is divided into two sub-regions: Priorat and Falset.

4) Montsant

Montsant is a small wine region located just to the south of Priorat. The wines of Montsant are similar to those of Priorat, but tend to be slightly lighter in body and flavor.

5) Jumilla

Jumilla is a large wine region located in southeastern Spain that produces a great quantity of wine each year. The wines of Jumilla are typically very fruity and easy to drink, making them a great choice for everyday drinking.

6) Màdrid

cabernet franc

Madrid is the capital city of Spain and is also home to a small but growing wine region. The wines of Madrid are typically light and refreshing, with delicate flavors of fruit and herbs.

7) Valdepeñas

Valdepeñas is a large wine region located in central Spain that produces a great quantity of wine each year. The wines of Valdepeñas are typically very fruity and easy to drink, making them a great choice for everyday drinking.

8) Navarra

Navarra is a small wine region located in northern Spain that produces a great quantity of wine each year. The wines of Navarra are typically very fruity and easy to drink, making them a great choice for everyday drinking.

Known for their refreshing, fruit forward rosés.

9) La Mancha

La Mancha is the largest wine region in Spain and produces a great quantity of wine each year. The wines of La Mancha are typically very fruity and easy to drink, making them a great choice for everyday drinking.

What is Spanish Red Wine Called?

Spanish red wine is typically called vino tinto. Tinto is the Spanish word for “red,” and refers to the fact that most Spanish red wines are made from red grapes. There are a few exceptions, however, such as white Rioja and rosé wines.

Is Rioja the Same as Tempranillo?

No, Rioja is not the same as Tempranillo. Rioja is a wine region located in northern Spain that produces wines made from the Tempranillo grape. Tempranillo is also a grape variety that can be used to make wines from other regions of Spain.

Is Spanish Red Wine Dry or Sweet?

Most Spanish red wines are dry, meaning they contain very little residual sugar. There are a few exceptions, however, such as dessert wines from the Ribera del Duero region. These wines are typically very sweet and full-bodied.

What Spanish Wine is Similar to Pinot Noir?

There are a few Spanish reds that are similar to Pinot Noir. These include wines from the Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions. Rioja wines are typically more fruit-forward, while Ribera del Duero wines tend to be more tannic and structured.

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