Spanish Wine Regions
Yes, I know you all must be thinking... Everyone knows Rioja, and what else is there to know about Spanish wine, right? Well, just like South African wines, the vast majority found in the supermarkets abroad is the plonk that they, themselves, will not drink( this is a generalisation, of course, and most respectable wine purveyors have the good stuff).
Spain's wine regions are as diverse as the country itself, shaped by unique climates, altitudes, and traditions. From the rugged mountains of Rioja to the sun-baked plains of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain's wine regions offer something for every palate. However, a hidden gem within Spain's wine map lies in the southeastern region of Murcia, home to characterful wines with a rustic charm, where heritage meets innovation.
The Murcia region is often overshadowed by famous Spanish wine areas like Rioja or Ribera del Duero, but it deserves its own spotlight. Murcia's arid landscapes and intense Mediterranean sun create the perfect environment for producing deep, bold reds. The region is divided into three main Denominación de Origen (DO) areas: Jumilla, Yecla, and Bullas. These appellations share a dedication to Monastrell, a hardy, dark-skinned grape that thrives in hot climates.
Jumilla: The star of the Murcia region, Jumilla has made a name for itself by harnessing the intensity of the Monastrell grape, creating wines that are bold, full-bodied, and rich in dark fruit flavours. Jumilla wines are known for their rustic elegance, showcasing the wild, herbal notes of the surrounding landscapes and benefiting from recent improvements in winemaking practices.
Yecla: Just north of Jumilla, Yecla is also known for Monastrell, though the wines here are often lighter and more aromatic due to the slightly higher altitude. Yecla's wines can be surprisingly versatile, with reds ranging from young, vibrant wines to more complex, barrel-aged bottles.
Bullas: To the west, Bullas completes Murcia’s wine trio. It's a smaller region that focuses on maintaining traditional methods and Indigenous grape varieties, with Monastrell again taking centre stage. Bullas wines often reflect the mountainous terrain and can have a fresh, mineral quality.
These Murcia regions offer some of Spain's most exciting and affordable wines. Together, they reveal a distinct take on Spanish viticulture that feels rooted in tradition and ripe for discovery, where Spain's winemaking heritage is being carried forward with pride and innovation.
Jumilla
Jumilla is a wine region in southeastern Spain known for producing full-bodied, robust wines primarily from the Monastrell (Mourvèdre) grape. The area's arid climate, high altitudes, and limestone-rich soils provide ideal conditions for this resilient grape, which produces wines with deep, intense flavours of dark fruit, spices, and earthy notes.
In recent decades, Jumilla has gained a reputation for crafting high-quality wines at accessible prices, significantly as winemakers have modernised their techniques. The wines from this region are often celebrated for their depth, structure, and ability to age well, with red wines being the most popular.
Climate: Jumilla's warm Mediterranean climate and dry conditions create optimal ripening for robust red wines. High daytime temperatures and cool nights foster intense flavours and balanced acidity.
Styles and Varieties: Jumilla wines are known for their Monastrell (Mourvèdre) reds. Full-bodied, high in alcohol, and fruit-forward, often offering great value.
Notable Estates:
Bodegas Juan Gil: Known for high-quality Monastrell wines, well-regarded for intensity and approachability.
Casa Castillo: Producing balanced, expressive Monastrell wines that reflect Jumilla's terroir.
Bodegas Luzón: A traditional estate offering well-structured, fruit-driven wines at affordable prices.
Rioja
Rioja, the most famous Spanish wine region, is renowned for its elegant, age-worthy reds. The main grape here is Tempranillo, often blended with Garnacha. Rioja wines' unique ageing classification sets them apart, and they range from fresh and fruity to complex and oaky: Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva.
Climate: Rioja's continental climate, moderated by the Ebro River and sheltered by the Cantabrian Mountains, sets it apart from other wine regions. This unique climate, with warm summers and cool nights that help retain acidity, plays a crucial role in the development of Rioja's elegant, age-worthy reds.
Styles and Varieties: Rioja is a treasure trove of diverse red wines, particularly Tempranillo, which is often blended with Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo (Carignan). The wines range from fresh, fruity reds to complex, oaky varieties, each classified by its unique ageing process: Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva.
Notable Estates:
Bodegas Marqués de Riscal: One of Spain's oldest and most respected wineries, producing structured, traditional Rioja with ageing potential.
Bodegas Muga: Renowned for traditional winemaking methods, including fermentation in oak barrels.
La Rioja Alta: Known for high-quality Gran Reserva wines, meticulously aged for complexity and elegance.
Ribera del Duero
Located along the Duero River, this region produces bold, robust reds primarily from Tempranillo (known locally as Tinto Fino). These wines are rich, deeply coloured, and known for their dark fruit flavours with a balanced structure.
Climate: Ribera del Duero's high-altitude vineyards (700–900 metres) experience extreme temperatures, with hot, dry summers and cold winters. This continental climate results in intense ripening by day and acidity retention by night.
Styles and Varieties: Ribera del Duero is known for its robust red wines, primarily made from Tempranillo, known locally as Tinto Fino. These full-bodied wines have dark fruit flavours and firm tannins, making them suitable for ageing.
Notable Estates:
Vega Sicilia: One of Spain's most iconic wineries, producing the highly-regarded Único, a complex, long-aged red.
Dominio de Pingus: A boutique estate producing highly concentrated, premium, critically acclaimed wines.
Bodegas Emilio Moro: A family-owned estate known for producing approachable yet rich Tempranillo-based wines.
Priorat
Priorat, a mountainous region in Catalonia, boasts a unique, mineral-rich slate soil called li corella. This distinctive feature, along with the region's powerful, structured reds made from Garnacha and Carignan, often blended with international varieties like Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, is a testament to the region's fascinating wine production.
Climate: Priorat's Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters, is perfect for ripening bold red grapes. The region's steep slopes and mineral-rich licorella (slate) soils contribute to its unique, intense wines.
Styles and Varieties: Known for robust reds, particularly Garnacha and Carignan, often blended with Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Priorat wines are dense, structured, and deeply mineral-driven.
Notable Estates:
Clos Mogador: Producing rich, complex wines strongly emphasises terroir and is considered one of Priorat's top estates.
Alvaro Palacios: Known for its iconic L'Ermita, an age-worthy, expressive Garnacha wine from old vines.
Clos Erasmus: A prestigious estate focused on bold, elegant wines with deep minerality and exceptional structure.
Spanish Wine Regions | Photo credit: The Wine Folly | https://winefolly.com/
Rías Baixas
Situated on the Atlantic coast of Galicia, this cool, damp region specialises in Albariño, a crisp, aromatic white wine with citrus and stone fruit notes. It's a go-to for seafood pairings and one of Spain's most popular white wines.
Climate: Located in Galicia, Rías Baixas has a cool, damp Atlantic climate with high rainfall and mild temperatures, ideal for fresh, aromatic whites.
Styles and Varieties: Specialises in Albariño, an aromatic white wine with citrus, floral, and mineral notes. It is highly refreshing and pairs excellently with seafood.
Notable Estates:
Pazo de Señorans: Known for pure, vibrant Albariño with great acidity and complexity.
Terras Gauda: Produces Albariño blended with native varieties, creating added depth and structure wines.
Bodegas Martín Códax: A well-known producer crafting accessible Albariño with bright, clean flavours.
Penedès
Near Barcelona, Penedès is best known for producing Cava, Spain's famous sparkling wine made using the traditional method. The region also produces still wines, including aromatic whites and fruit-forward reds from local and international grapes.
Climate: Penedès has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. The sea's influence and varied altitudes create microclimates ideal for sparkling and still wines.
Styles and Varieties: Spain is best known for Cava, its traditional-method sparkling wine made from local grapes like Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. Penedès also produces aromatic whites and balanced reds.
Notable Estates:
Freixenet: A significant producer of Cava, known for high-quality sparkling wines.
Codorníu: A historic winery that popularised Cava, making it one of Spain's most recognisable exports.
Gramona: Famous for long-aged Cavas, recognised for complexity and elegance.
Toro
This small region is making a name for its robust reds made from Tinta de Toro, a local variant of Tempranillo. Toro wines are dense and high in tannins, often with dark fruit and earthy notes, showcasing Spain's bolder side.
Climate: Toro's hot, dry climate and high elevation (up to 750 metres) are perfect for robust reds. Long, sunny days create ripe, concentrated fruit, while cool nights retain acidity.
Styles and Varieties: Tinta de Toro, a local Tempranillo variant, primarily produces red wines. Toro wines are intense, high in tannin, and full-bodied, with dark fruit and earthy notes.
Notable Estates:
Numanthia: Known for producing powerful, high-quality wines with intense concentration and depth.
Teso La Monja: A top estate with a reputation for structured, bold reds that showcase Toro's unique character.
Bodegas Farina: One of the region's oldest wineries, offering traditional and modern expressions of Tinta de Toro.
La Mancha
Spain's most prominent wine region, La Mancha, is a vast, hot plateau known for high-volume production. Tempranillo (Cencibel here), Airén, and Garnacha are essential grapes that produce affordable, easy-drinking wines and more refined options.
Climate: La Mancha has an arid, continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Its vast plateau location creates a dry, sunny environment for high-yield, disease-resistant vines.
Styles and Varieties: Known for high-volume production, La Mancha produces affordable, easy-drinking wines and refined options. The main grapes include Tempranillo (locally called Cencibel), Airén, and Garnacha.
Notable Estates:
Finca Antigua: A family-owned estate known for producing expressive wines from Tempranillo and international varieties.
Manuel Manzaneque: Recognised for crafting elegant wines that highlight the quality potential in La Mancha.
Bodegas Volver: Known for producing Tempranillo-driven wines with a modern style focused on quality.
Navarra
Just north of Rioja, Navarra offers a diverse range of wines, from Tempranillo-based reds to refreshing rosados (rosé wines). The region is increasingly experimenting with international varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Climate: Navarra's climate varies, with Atlantic influences in the north and Mediterranean effects in the south. The region enjoys moderate rainfall, creating a balanced environment for red and rosé wines.
Styles and Varieties: Offers a range of wines, from Tempranillo-based reds to refreshing rosados (rosé wines). Increasing experimentation with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon adds variety.
Notable Estates:
Bodegas Chivite: One of Navarra's oldest wineries, known for elegant reds and pioneering rosé wines.
Pago de Larrainzar: A boutique estate focused on quality-driven, terroir-expressive wines.
Bodegas Otazu: Recognised for modern, structured wines with international and local grape varieties.
Sherry (Jerez)
Located in Andalucía, this region is dedicated to Sherry production, a fortified wine made from Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel grapes. Styles vary from the dry, nutty Fino to the rich, sweet Pedro Ximénez, showcasing Spain's unique take on fortified wines.
Climate: Jerez's warm, dry climate is moderated by the Atlantic, with sea breezes cooling the vineyards and promoting ideal conditions for Sherry's unique ageing process.
Styles and Varieties: Known for fortified wines made from Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, and Moscatel grapes. Styles range from the dry, nutty Fino to the rich, sweet Pedro Ximénez, showcasing various flavours.
Notable Estates:
González Byass: Known for its famous Tío Pepe Fino, a light and refreshing Sherry with almond notes.
Bodegas Lustau: A renowned producer known for a wide range of Sherries, including award-winning Finos, Amontillados, and Pedro Ximénez.
Emilio Hidalgo: A smaller, traditional bodega focusing on high-quality, artisan Sherries.
My Thoughts…
As someone who’s spent years around the nuances of wine and now lives in Murcia, Spanish wines continue to surprise me with their depth, character, and affordability. While regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero often steal the spotlight, Spain’s lesser-known areas like Murcia hold an array of bold, rustic, and beautifully crafted wines that deserve more attention.
Murcia’s trio—Jumilla, Yecla, and Bullas—stand out for their dedication to Monastrell. This grape, with its intense, dark fruit and earthy spice, encapsulates the spirit of Murcia’s rugged terrain and sun-drenched climate. This area's full-bodied and affordable wines offer an exceptional experience that rivals some of Spain’s more established wines.
Spanish wine is as diverse as the landscapes that nurture it, offering wines for every palate and occasion. From the fresh, mineral Albariños of Rías Baixas to the opulent, aged Tempranillos of Rioja, Spain’s regions are steeped in a blend of tradition and innovation. My approach to Spanish wine is rooted in discovery. Whether it’s introducing others to the bold Monastrells of Murcia or exploring fresh takes on classic varieties, each bottle tells a story of Spain’s winemaking heritage.
