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Spain

Spanish wine has a rich history and much tradition. Given that it is the most widely planted wine producing region in the world it is no surprise how seriously it takes its wine industry. Despite these large plantations, Spain is only the third largest producer thanks to its low yields, the lowest in the world.

Although the Phoenicians are said to have first brought vines to Spain in the 7th Century BC, scientists have found evidence to suggest wine production as early as 4000-3000 BC. With viniculture in place the arrival of the Romans brought new practises and great knowledge as well as huge demand. Spanish wines were widely drunk throughout the Empire. The Spanish wine industry continued to grow and improve and when the Phylloxera bout first hit the French wine industry demand for Spanish wine soared, but it was not long before the pest eventually made its way to Spanish vineyards around 1900 leaving almost nothing behind. However, after a huge injection of money from joining the EU and after a brief stint in bulk wines, Spain made huge progress in the 70s and 80s and is back to producing wines of extraordinary quality.

The important wine regions here are Castile and Leon, Rioja, Catalonia, Navarra and Castile La Mancha, as well as the sparkling wine producing region of Cava and sherry producing region of Jerez. The two key grape varieties for the famous Spanish reds are Tempranillo and Garnache (Spanish for Grenache) but Bordeaux blends form wonderful and popular wines as well. The use of oak has formed much of Spanish winemaking tradition and the following terms can be found on the bottle referring to the minimum amount of time spent ageing and time spent in oak. Crianza: 2 years ageing, 6 months in oak. Reserva: 3 years ageing, 1 year in oak. Gran Reserva: 5 years ageing, 18 months in oak. These amounts are longer in Rioja.

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  1. Bodegas Castro Martin, Albarino, Family Estate Selection, 2011

    Bodegas Castro Martin, Albarino, Family Estate Selection, 2011

    Spain, Galicia, Rias Baixas | White Wine | Bottle (0.75)
    Reserved on the nose this light-medium bodied white from Galicia (on the north Atlantic coast of Spain)... Read More
    £13.99
    £79.99
  2. Lopez de Heredia, Viña Gravonia Blanco, Rioja, 2002

    Lopez de Heredia, Viña Gravonia Blanco, Rioja, 2002

    Spain, Rioja, Rioja | White Wine | Bottle (0.75)
    A superb white Rioja from the critically acclaimed Lopez de Heredia winery. The nose is beautiful with... Read More
    £16.99
    £96.99
  3. Artadi Grandes Añadas, Rioja, 2000

    Artadi Grandes Añadas, Rioja, 2000

    Spain, Rioja, Rioja, Rioja | Red Wine | Bottle (0.75)
    This renowned Rioja is simply majestic, complex and perfectly balanced, the Rioja for Rioja lovers. The prominent... Read More
    £69.99

    Out of stock

    Price Comparison: £100.20 - Four Walls Wine Company (Checked 18/07/12)
  4. Bodegas Scholtz Hermanos Solera 1885, Málaga, NV

    Bodegas Scholtz Hermanos Solera 1885, Málaga, NV

    Spain, Andalucía, Málaga | White Wine | Bottle (0.75)
    With components of the wine coming from 1885, this rare non-vintage fortified wine comes from a winery... Read More
    £55.99

    Out of stock

  5. Lopez de Heredia, Vina Cubillo Crianza, Rioja, 2005

    Lopez de Heredia, Vina Cubillo Crianza, Rioja, 2005

    Spain, Rioja, Rioja | Red Wine | Bottle (0.75)
    A superb medium-bodied Rioja Crianza with a fantastic nose of red fruit and leather with undertones of sous-bois... Read More
    £17.99

    Out of stock

  6. Lopez de Heredia, Viña Tondonia Reserva, Rioja, 2001

    Lopez de Heredia, Viña Tondonia Reserva, Rioja, 2001

    Spain, Rioja, Rioja | Red Wine | Bottle (0.75)
    A brilliant classic Rioja. Concentrated and full of ripe fruits wrapped in oak and with a nose to match... Read More
    £27.49

    Out of stock

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