Spanish wine
Spain is one of the oldest wine countries in Europe.
The country produces many different wines. The best wines are made in the north of Spain. The vineyards are close to the mountainous landscape, which means that the grapes can also be cooled in the warm Spanish climate.
Rioja
The making of wine in Rioja started well before the beginning of the era. At the time, the Romans were active in growing wine. Rioja is therefore the most renowned wine region in Spain. In 1991, Rioja received the Denominación de origen calificada (DOC) status. This DOC status only applies to wines of the highest quality, which have proven their quality over a long period. A Rioja can be called Reserva if the wine has been aged for at least 12 months. In addition, the wine must be stored in the bottle for another 2 years.
Ribera del Duero
The making of wine in Rioja started well before the beginning of the era. At the time, the Romans were active in growing wine. Rioja is therefore the most renowned wine region in Spain. In 1991, Rioja received the Denominación de origen calificada (DOC) status. This DOC status only applies to wines of the highest quality, which have proven their quality over a long period. A Rioja can be called Reserva if the wine has been aged for at least 12 months. In addition, the wine must be stored in the bottle for another 2 years.
Penedés
Penedés is located just south of Barcelona, partly in the province of Barcelona and partly in the province of Tarragona. The history of Penedés, as well as that of Cataluña, to which it belongs, is as old as the history of Spain itself. The urge for independence, which is so characteristic of this region, probably arose because this area (then a kingdom) was occupied by the Moors for a very short time. The residents fled across the Pyrenees to France, regrouped and fought back under the leadership of Charlemagne who incorporated the area to his Frankish Empire.
Valdepenas
Valdepenas is the outpost in the far south of the large La Macha region. However, the wines deserve a separate DO and the producers have managed to get through the foreign market sooner than their northern neighbors. Primarily red tempranillo wines are made. They often ripen in barrels for a long time and get the Reserva or Gran Reserva label. Sometimes they are too petroleum-like, with a fairly light undertone of fruit, but the better producers have been able to achieve a good balance.
