Wine Regions of Spain.
Jerez
The unique wine that is Sherry comes from an area of Spain called Jerez in the hot dry Southwest of the country. Sherry is a very underrated quality wine and comes in a variety of styles from very dry - 'Fino' and 'Manzanilla', through to the medium styles of 'Amontillado' and dry 'Oloroso' to the ultra rich sweet cream Sherries.
Valdepeñas
The name means 'The Valley of Stones'. Again this region has very hot humid summers and cold winters. Some excellent Reserva and Gran Reserva wines using 100% Tempranillo and extremely good value for money.
Navarra
Navarra is situated next door to Rioja, and produces 2 different styles of wine: traditional styles using indigenous grapes; and modern styles like Palacio de La Vega and Ochoa using French grapes along with the Spanish varieties. The quality of wine produced in this region has increased immensely . Lots of ripe approachable fruit with intense flavours and firm structure. The best are capable of ageing. Tempranillo has become the preferred variety for red wine production.
Penedes
Situated south of Barcelona this region produces elegant light wines, mainly white but the reds are fast gaining popularity.
Rueda
Mainly a white wine producing area make from 100% Verdejo grape. Good Sauvignon Blanc made in this area.
La Mancha
Situated almost in the centre of Spain with extremes of temperatures - hot summers and very cold winters. Ten years ago La Mancha was producing large quantities of cheap table wine but lately we have seen a cut back in production and an increase in quality.
Rias Baxas
Mainly a white wine area produced from the Albarino Grape. Some fantastic wines which taste like some of the good barrel fermented Chardonnay's
Priorato
Producing unique and truly Spanish wine, Priorato is one of the great red wines of Spain. Rich, robust wine full of ripe fruit with great body and structure.
Ribeiro (Duero)
Located in the north-west corner of Spain on the Portuguese border, this region produces fine quality white wines and some very pleasant light reds.
Valencia
Large scale production of table reds, whites and rosés plus Moscatel dessert white wines.
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