Spanish Wines

Castilla y León’s wines
Castilla y León is well known for its extraordinary food (cold meat, Burgos blood pudding, botillo of León, hornazo of Salamanca and Ávila, Segovia suckling pig ...). This autonomous region has also gained prominence among the grape -growing regions in Spain. In fact, the most important wine-growing areas in the market for quality wine are found in Castilla y León along the río Duero (Duero river). Among these areas, Ribera del Duero is the Denominación de Origen (Apellation of Origin) best known.

Red wines are the most popular and there are several varietals. Although red wines are often classified by “body type” there are Spanish wines referred to by their popular regional names as well. The most important types of Spanish wine produced in Castilla y León are:

• White wines: Made with the following grape varieties: Doña Blanca, Palomino and Godello. These wines should be consumed within a year of the date of the label. In addition, with Doña Blanca is made a fabulous grape juice and a sparkling white wine.
• Young red wines: These Spanish wines also should be consumed within a year of the date of the label. They are made with the Mencía grape varietal.
• Rosé wines: 50% of the grapes used are Mencia or a mixture of red and white grapes. These wines have an alcoholic gradation between 11 and 14 degrees.

Crianza red, Reserva and Gran Reserva red:

• Crianza red wines are aged for 2 years with at least 6 months in oak. Crianza whites and rosés must be aged for at least 1 year with at least 6 months in oak.
• Reserva red wines are aged for at least 3 years with at least 1 year in oak. Reserva whites and rosés must be aged for at least 2 years with at least 6 months in oak.
• Gran Reserva wines typically appear in above average vintages with the red wines requiring at least 5 years ageing, 18 months of which in oak. Gran Reserva whites and rosés must be aged for at least 4 years with at least 6 months in oak.

Spanish people love to drink these Spanish drinks with a Tapas menu for example or also another Spanish dish. They vary very much depending on the region in Spain. Every region, even every city has its own typical Spanish dish. And every dish needs a suitable wine.

If you are interested in Spanish food and the Spanish cuisine, you can read more on Spanish food.