How to Explore Spanish Wine

Spain might not be the first country you think of when you think of wine, but it should be near the top of the list. The Spaniards have been producing quality wines for centuries in their 40 different wine-making regions. In fact, so much land is used for making wine that Spain dedicates a higher percentage of land area to vineyards than any other country in the world.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Get to know the five major wine making regions in Spain. Make it a goal to taste one wine from each region. Rioja is known for it's fabulous red wines. These make a great place to start. Remember that price tags aren't always the best judge of good wine. Experiment without cleaning out your bank account.
2. Try something from Spain's newest wine region, Ribera del Duero. The area received their designation in the 1980's and has been successful in making the switch from vegetables to grapes. It's known for its red wines. A variant of a grape common in Rioja has adapted well to the unique climate and soils of this region.
3. Move on to wines from the Penedes region. This area is located less than one hour from Barcelona. It is known for both whites and reds, much like the region of Valdepenas. For quality white wines, the Rueda region is the best choice. Spain is primarily known for its reds.
4. Take notes on the wines you try. Record which wines you liked and which you didn't. Discuss the flavor and aroma. Exploring wine is really about exploring your own preferences. Once you have a feel for the different Spanish wines, expand your tasting. Explore by variety and discover wines from some of the lesser-known Spanish areas.
5. Learn some Spanish. Anejo means aged. Bodega is the winery. Familiarize yourself with the different names so you can identify those words on the bottle. Ask for a translation at your wine store if you need any help.
6. Know that the designations DOCa or DO indicate wines that are considered the best of the best. VDM indicates table wines that are generally considered lower quality. However, adventuresome growers have made some tasty wines under this designation operating outside the traditional guidelines.