The Ultimate Guide to Spanish Wine Varieties
Introduction to Spanish Wine
There is no Spain, as we know it, without wine. Wine in Spain isn’t just a drink, nor even a way of life, but a human right – something that people from any walk of life anywhere in the country can access at any time, by virtue of availability and accessibility. Wine in Spain is always within reach, designed to complement the land, climate and cuisine.
Spanish wines can be exceptional and they can also just be good enough for today (very rarely are they bad, according to the author). Spanish wines are intertwined with the land from which they spring and the cuisine that they accompany. Spanish wines will reflect its terroir: strong tempranillos in Toro to go alongside the hearty meat dishes from that land, just like fresh albariños found themselves growing along Galicia’s crisp, seafood farming saltwater inlets.
Spanish wine is a part of life out here, and to help you in your wine adventures we’ve set out to create an accessible, and above all joyful, guide to hold your hand as we drink one or two glasses (or bottles) too many.
Spain’s Key Grape Varieties
Tempranillo
This is the prototypical Spanish wine, the one that’s found on shelves around the world, indelibly associated with tapas and manchego and that big, flat, Spanish plateau where food and wine are abundant and an afternoon siesta always seems like a great idea.
These are some of Spain’s most well-balanced wines, and you can find a tempranillo for every occasion, almost anywhere in the world.
Garnacha (Grenache)
Known for its fruit-forward character and versatility, Garnacha is widely cultivated across Spain. Look for it in regions like Priorat and Navarra, where it produces robust, expressive wines.
Albariño
Grown primarily in Galicia’s Rías Baixas, Albariño is a crisp, refreshing white wine with notes of citrus and salinity—a perfect pairing for seafood.
Monastrell
Often found in southeastern Spain, Monastrell is known for its bold flavors and high tannins. Expect dark fruit and earthy notes, making it a great match for grilled meats.
Verdejo
A bright and aromatic white wine, Verdejo from Rueda is loved for its refreshing acidity and citrusy, herbaceous profile. It’s an ideal choice for lighter dishes and hot days.
Mencía
Native to northwest Spain, Mencía produces elegant reds with a floral nose and balanced acidity, often compared to Pinot Noir. Try it with cured meats and cheeses.
Bobal
Predominantly grown in the Valencia and Utiel-Requena regions, Bobal is known for its deep color, high tannins, and juicy red and dark fruit flavors. It’s a staple in Spanish winemaking and is gaining popularity for its robust, age-worthy wines.
Cariñena (Carignan)
Found in northeastern Spain, particularly in Priorat and Montsant, Cariñena (also known as Mazuelo in Rioja) adds structure and earthy depth to blends and single varietal wines. Look for hints of dark berries, spice, and mineral notes.
Godello
Godello is a rising star among Spanish whites, especially in Galicia and Bierzo. Known for its refreshing acidity and complex minerality, it offers flavors of green apple, lemon, and subtle floral notes, often compared to Chardonnay.
Graciano
A native to Rioja, Graciano is typically used in blends for its concentrated color, acidity, and intense flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice. When made as a single varietal wine, it shines with age-worthy complexity and a firm structure.
Listán Negro
Commonly grown in the Canary Islands, Listán Negro produces light-bodied, fresh, and aromatic reds that carry flavors of red berries, herbal notes, and a touch of volcanic minerality from the islands’ unique terroir.
Maturana Tinta
A lesser-known grape making a comeback, Maturana Tinta hails from Rioja and delivers rich, aromatic wines with a full body and spicy, dark fruit flavors. It’s valued for its acidity and tannic structure, ideal for aging.
Palomino Fino
Best known as the primary grape in Sherry production, Palomino Fino thrives in the chalky soils of Jerez. This versatile grape produces dry, savory wines with a nutty profile, ranging from light Manzanilla to rich, oxidative Oloroso styles.
Parellada
Often used in Cava blends from Catalonia, Parellada is a light, crisp white grape that adds brightness and floral notes to sparkling wines. It’s also made as a still wine, offering refreshing acidity and subtle citrus flavors.
Pedro Ximénez (PX)
Grown primarily in Andalusia, Pedro Ximénez is a white grape known for its intensely sweet wines. Often sun-dried to concentrate sugars, PX wines are dark, viscous, and rich with flavors of raisin, caramel, and fig.
Prieto Picudo
A unique red variety from Castilla y León, Prieto Picudo produces wines with vibrant acidity, dark fruit, and peppery spice. Its wines range from fresh and easy-drinking to complex, age-worthy reds that reflect the rustic Spanish countryside.
Treixadura
Found in Galicia, particularly in Ribeiro, Treixadura is a fresh, aromatic white grape with flavors of citrus, peach, and subtle floral notes. It often appears in blends but also makes excellent single-varietal wines with a smooth, rounded texture.
Xarel·lo
Xarel·lo is a key component in Cava production, grown extensively in Catalonia. This white grape offers bright acidity, flavors of green apple and pear, and a mineral finish. It’s increasingly used for still wines, where it shows remarkable complexity and age-worthiness.
Viura (Macabeo)
Known as Macabeo in much of Spain, Viura is a primary grape in white Rioja wines and Cava. With fresh citrus and floral notes, it ranges from crisp and young to more complex and nutty when aged in oak, offering versatility and character.
Txakoli
Txakoli (or Chacoli) is a slightly sparkling, crisp white wine primarily produced in the Basque Country and made from indigenous grape varieties like Hondarrabi Zuri (white) and Hondarrabi Beltza (red). Known for its high acidity, low alcohol content, and bright, refreshing notes of green apple, citrus, and sea salt, Txakoli is a perfect pairing for seafood and pintxos. The wine is traditionally poured from a height to aerate it, releasing its vibrant aromas and enhancing the drinking experience.
White vs. Red Wine Varieties in Spain
Explore the diverse range of red and white wines in Spain, from bold, oak-aged reds to zesty, refreshing whites. Understand how climate and region influence these varieties.
Wine Classification and Regions (DOCa, DO, VT)
Spain’s wines are classified by origin and quality, from everyday table wines to prestigious DOCa wines. Learn what each designation means and where to find the best bottles.
Food Pairing with Spanish Wines
From tapas to traditional roasts, discover which wines best complement Spanish dishes and how to bring out the best in both food and wine.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Wine
A helpful section covering common questions about Spanish wines, including serving tips, storage, and what to look for on wine labels.