FIND A LIQUOR MART
Complex Diversity
Spain has a very long history of wine production, roughly three thousand years. As well, Spain is one of the largest wine producing countries in the world. From full, complex red wines to crisp, acidic whites to sparkling (Cava) to the unique and world-renowned wine known as Sherry. Spain has something for everyone.
Notable Regions
Rioja
Internationally, the best-known region in Spain. This region is a predominately red wine producing area, based on the Tempranillo grape varietal, which is often blended with other permitted varietals. There is a very small amount of rosé and white wines produced in Rioja. There are a number of microclimates in this region that allow for an array of different styles of Tempranillo based wines. Rioja produces wines for any occasion.
Ribera del Duero
A predominately red wine producing region, where the grape varietal Tempranillo known here as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais reigns supreme. The Denominacion de Origen (DO) red wines are sometimes blended with grape varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Garnacha. However, Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo) must maintain a minimum of 75% of the blend. With a noticeable difference in day and nighttime temperatures and an elevation of around 800 meters above sea level. This contributes to the noticeable acidity levels found in these wines.
Penedes
Spain is the second largest producer of Traditional Method (secondary fermentation in bottle) sparkling wine in the world after France. Although there are a number of other regions in Spain allowed to make Cava DO wine, over 90 % is produced in the Penedes region. Generally, this wine is based on three indigenous grape varietals: Macabeo (also known as Viura), Xarel-lo and Parelleda with Chardonnay and Malvasia allowed in lesser quantities. Pink Cava can be produced from Pinot Noir, Monastrel, Garnacha or Trepat grape varieties.
Rueda
Quite different from traditional Spanish wine regions as this area is known for the production of vibrant, crisp white wines. Over the last forty years this region has slowly developed international attention to the wines created here. The grape varietal Verdejo is recognized as being the major reason for the rise of this region.
Jerez – Xérès – Sherry
Sherry is a fortified wine originating in the Denominazione de Origine (DO) region of Jerez – Xérès – Sherry, located in southwest Spain. Sherry wine can be either dry or sweet depending on the style. Sherry is produced in two basic styles, Fino or Oloroso, each of these styles has additional subcategories. Fino Sherry will always be dry while Oloroso sherry can be either dry or sweet.
Rias Baixas
Located in northwestern Spain in the region of Galicia. Quite different from typical Spanish wine regions as this area is noted to produce vibrant, crisp white wines. Most of the wine produced in this area is from a single grape variety, Albarino. Relatively new area for consumers as it wasn’t until the 1980’s that wines from this area gained attention from outside of this area.
Medium
Fruity
ANCIANO NO 7 RESERVA TEMPRANILLO RIOJA DOCA
47648
|
750 ml
$17.99
Available Online
Light
Crisp
BERONIA ROSE DOCA
43328
|
750 ml
$15.99
Available Online
Key Varietals
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is an early ripening grape. Typical flavours include notes of leather, spice, tobacco, raspberry and dark plum.
Food pairing: Pairs well with tapas, grilled red meats, pizza, tomato–based pasta dishes, cured meats.
Garnacha
This is a fruit forward style of red wine with hints of red and black fruits. Sometimes there are notes of herbs and black pepper.
Food pairing: Pairs well with meaty stews, roast beef, turkey, bbq ribs.
Verdejo
Verdejo based wines are made to be enjoyed while young. Very vibrant with noticeable acidity and typical notes of herbal, citrus and stone fruits.
Food pairing: Pairs well with oven roasted poultry, fish tacos, mussels, Greek salad. Try it with Pecorino cheese.
Monastrell
Also known as Mourvedre in France. Full flavoured red wine with noticeable tannins. Notes of black pepper, dark fruits and subtle notes of chocolate.
Food pairing: Pairs well with hamburgers, grilled red meats, short ribs. Try with smoked cheddar cheese.
Save
Medium
Fruity
CAMINOS DEL BONHOMME CABERNET SAUVIGNON
28246
|
750 ml
$23.24
$2.75
Available Online
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Medium
Bold
CASTANO GSM
28895
|
750 ml
$17.49
$2.50
Available Online
Light
Crisp
CODORNIU CLASICO BRUT CAVA DO
503490
|
750 ml
$16.99
Available Online
Did you know?
Tempranillo is Spain’s most planted red grape varietal.
Spain has more land under vine than any other country.
Tempranillo the famed grape varietal of the Rioja region is known by different names in other regions of Spain. For example, in the La Mancha region it is known as Cencibel.
