Here’s a post for Spanish wine geeks (I include myself in this category).  This is just an overview of a few of the principal wine regions.

The top wine producing areas in Spain are classified under the Denominacion de Origen (DO) system which supports 67 official areas across the country.  These include the classical appellations of Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Priorat, the white wine regions of Northern Spain: Rias Baixas and Rueda, and the emerging DOs of Campo de Borja, Calatayud, Jumilla, and Toro.  Spain’s famous sparkling wine, Cava DO and the fortified wines of Sherry (Jerez-Xeres-Sherry DO) in Andalucía are also noteworthy.

The two regions of Rioja and Priorat are classified as the higher status Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOCa).

Rioja DOCa:  The classic red wine region of Spain, Rioja lies just south of the Cordillera Cantabria in the Ebro River valley.  Tempranillo is the dominant red grape variety with Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano, and Mazuelo grapes also permitted.   A small amount of dry rose and white wine is produced in this appellation with Viura being the traditional white grape variety.

Ribera del Duero DO: Famous red wine region situated on the valley slopes of the Duero River.  A genetic variation of the Tempranillo grape variety, Tinto Fino, is used to produce intense, dark- fruited wines.  Small amounts of Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon are also planted and sometimes used for blending.

Priorat DOCa: Powerful red wines produced east of Penedes noted for its rocky soils.  Wines are primarily produced from Garnacha and Carinena (Carignan) grape varieties.  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Tempranillo can also be part of the blend.

Rias Baixas DO: Located in NW Spain in the province of Galicia, this region produces crisp, tangy white wines from the Albarino variety to pair with the fresh local seafood. 

Rueda DO: White wine region located west of Ribera del Duero DO produces mouthwatering wines from Viura and Verdejo grape varieties.  Some Sauvignon Blanc is also planted. 

Toro DO:  Adjacent to the Rueda DO, this region specializes in purple-hued, full-bodied red wines produced from Tinto de Toro (Tempranillo).

Jumilla DO: Warm southeastern DO produces complex and structured red wines featuring the Monastrell (Mourvedre) grape variety.

Campo de Borja DO & Calatayud DO:  Located in Aragon, these relatively new DO regions (1980 and 1990 respectively) feature mostly red wines from Garnacha and Tempranillo and often represent very good price-to-quality values.  Some white wine is also produced including dessert-style Moscatel.

Cava DO:  The sparkling wine of Spain, Cava is primarily produced in the Penedes region from approved varieties Macabeo (Viura), Parellada, Xarel-lo and Chardonnay.  Cava Rosada can contain the red grapes Garnacha, Monastrell and Pinot Noir.

Jerez-Xeres-Sherry DO: Located in SW Spain, Sherry is the legendary fortified wine produced from two white grape varieties: Palomino and Pedro Ximenez.  Seven different styles of sherry are made ranging from delicately dry to richly sweet: Manzanilla, Fino, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, Cream and PX (Pedro Ximenez).  The neighboring Montilla-Moriles DO near Cordoba produces fortified wines of similar style and character from 100% Pedro Ximenez grapes.

Jim Greeley, Wine Supervisor, SW Florida