From historical landmarks to regions with grape varieties and inspiring wine lists, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our brief guide on Spain for students in training.
1. A very old World
It is believed that the history of wines production in Spain goes back to at around three thousand years. It is believed that vines were being grown in the country well before Cadiz was founded as a trading post around 1100 BC.
2. Area under vine
Spain is the biggest vineyard area among all the major wine-producing countries around the globe, covering about 96,000 ha. It is about 13 percent from the total vineyards. According to the statistics, Spain is an ideal location to grow grapes due to its geographic position as well as its variety of soils and climate conditions.
3. The Big Three
Italy, France and Spain are the three biggest wine producing nations. As per the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), Spain produced 40.7 milliliters of grapes in 2020. together with Italy and France is responsible for 53% of the world’s wine production.
For the history of Spanish wine head on over to This Day In Wine History
4. The principal regions
Castilla La Mancha is the region that has the biggest vineyard in Spain. It is also the biggest wine-growing region worldwide, with more than 700,000 acres of land dedicated to the cultivation of vines. There are a number of other significant Spanish regions identified by their top-quality vineyards along with wine making, such as Catalonia, La Rioja and Andalusia.
5. Grape varieties to test
Spain has about 600 varieties of grapes, but about 20 varieties are employed in the production of the majority of wine. White wines are produced by it is believed that the Airen variety is the one most commonly utilized in wine production, however the most well-known for their quality wine include Verdejo as well as Albarino. For red wines, Garnacha is one of the most popular varieties and produces high-quality rose and red wines. Additionally, Cencibel, popularly referred to as Tempranillo is a favorite to make full-bodied wine with the red color of a strong.
6. Wines that are popular to try
Due to the vast knowledge of viticulture and advancement of oenology within Spain There are some of the most exquisite wines around the globe. The wines of La Rioja region. La Rioja region are among the most sought-after and well-known. The region’s white and red sparkling wines and wines are readily available in Spain and around the world and make up the majority of Spanish exports of wines. This is due in large part to the outstanding combination of price and quality provided by the variety of wines that are produced in the region. There is something for all.
7. A wonderful country to eat in for gourmets
Spain is the leader in the field of gastronomy, and a lot of tourists visit its famed culinary institutions, like those at the Basque Culinary Center and Ferran Adria’s elBulli Foundation. Wines play an important role in the world of gastronomy, and now much more so than in the past. Michelin restaurant with stars illustrate this. For instance Venta, a Michelin-starred restaurant. Moncalvillo was awarded the the Best wine List during the International Wine Challenge Merchant Awards Spain 2020. El Cenador de Amos, that has 3 Michelin stars, has an impressive wine selection.
8. Spanish consumption of wine
Spain consumed 9.6 million mhl of wine during 2020. This is a little less than contrast to France who consumed 24.7 million mhl, and Italy where the number is 24.5 milliliters.
9. Designations of Origin
There are official wine designations for Spain and this includes more than 70 DOs and two DOCas. Two DOCas include Rioja Priorat and Rioja. Priorat.
10. Utilize the resources for learning
Bodegas Ramon Bilbao is one of the most sought-after wines in Spain and a reference point to Rioja winemaking. To learn more about Rioja as well as the other Spanish wine regions as well as their wines, go to our website.