Spain produces some of the worlds most popular Vino Espanol. Spain also has more acres of vineyards than any other European country and has over 600 varieties of grapes. On the coasts, rivers running to the sea provide ample irrigation and the combination of ocean and mountain ranges protect vines from drastic changes in climate and an overabundance of rain. Inland, vineyards are planted at higher altitudes to take advantage of cooler summers. Both environments provide scenic beauty and comfortable temperatures, and make excellent use of historic buildings. For example, Abadia Retuerta, in the Ribera del Duero region is set in a stunning 12th century Romanesque monastery. The impressive stonework of medieval construction makes an excellent temperature control system.
Sunny day at Abadia Retuerta
Like France, Spain was heavily hit in the late 1800s by the phylloxera epidemic; the insects devastated the vineyards but Spain battled back, grafting American rootstock to their vines. Civil unrest also hurt the Spanish wine industry and it really didn't begin to flourish until the latter half of the 20th century.
Similar to France and Italy, Spain has a multi-tiered system for classifying wines. At the lower end, Vino de Mesa (VdM) wines are mostly table wines made from unclassified vineyards. At the next level, Vinos de la Tierra (VdlT), is attached to wines coming from more distinguished regions as like Andalucia and Levante. The third level, Vino de Calidad Producido en Región Determinada (VCPRD), is the first step toward achieving premier status. The next, Denominación de Origen (DO)signifies a longer track record of higher quality wines, and the highest designation, Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOC) has been given only twice, first given to the Rioja region in 1991, known for its fine, soft, oaky wines, and not given again until 2003 to Priorat, home to René Barbier's Clos Mogador and Alvaro Palacios' L'Ermita.
Given the breadth and depth of grapes and wine making in Spain, there is simply not enough time in one's life to taste all that Spain has to offer. If you were to just hit the highlights, they would have to include: The sparkling wines of the Cava region, including those of the Codorniu wine making family, who have records of wine production and sales dating back to the 1500s. Their finest include Codorniu 1551 and Jaume de Codorniu. The Marqués de Riscal winery, one of the oldest Rioja wineries and noted for introducing French winemaking techniques. Try their Marques de Reserva and Marques de Riscal Sauvignon Blanc, Rueda. The Sherry wine region, home, of course, to the wine of the same name. In particular, Pedro Domecq is one of offers both visual beauty, with its white washed walls and Moorish arches, and superb Sherries, including the Amonillado 51-10and La Raza.Don't forget to add some Vino Espanol to your cellar.
