Spanish Wine Guide

Spain is the second largest producer of wine in the world, the largest being France and the third Italy. The best known Spanish wine is probably Sherry, which is produced in Jerez. Manzanilla is a variety of fino sherry made around the port of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. In Spanish, chamomile tea is called "manzanilla", and thus this wine gets the name because the wine's flavour is said to be reminiscent of such tea.
The sherry is manufactured using the same methods as a fino and results in a very pale, dry liquid. In addition, the sherry is often described as having a salty flavour, believed to develop from the fact that it is manufactured on the sea estuary of the Guadalquivir river. Sanlúcar de Barrameda's cool temperatures and high humidity contribute to a higher yield of flor yeast than in Jerez or El Puerto de Santa María. The thicker cap of flor better protects the wine from contact with the air, resulting in a fresher, more delicate flavour than other varieties of fino.

Red Wines

The country’s three most important red wine regions are Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Penedes.
In Rioja, the law permits the use of four red grape varieties. Tempranillo is the primary grape used, followed by Garnacha (also known as Grenache), Graciano and Mazuelo. The latter two are excellent but difficult to grow varieties. Crianza wines are those that have been aged for two years, Reservas are aged three years, and Gran Reservas (also known as Reserva Especial) are aged at least five years.
Ribera del Duero lacks the long history of Rioja and was recognized as an official wine region in 1982, although most Spaniards would say that the best Spanish wines are produced in this region.
Penedes produces both red and white wines. The largest Spanish wine brand name, Torres, is a major producer there.

Quality

Until about 25 years ago, Spanish red wines were generally of mediocre quality. Many were aged too long in wood, overpowering their freshness and fruit character. However, quality has risen to the point that they compete successfully in the international market. Very high quality Spanish wines have recently become “trendy” in some circles.
Wine critic Robert M. Parker, Jr. has identified the following as Spain's greatest estates: Artadi, Clos Erasmus, Alvardo Palacios, Tinto Pesquera, Dominio de Pingus, and Bodega Vega Sicilia.
Gran Corona Mas La Plata 1970 received first place in the important Cabernet blend category of the Wine Olympics.

Appellation

Denominación de origen is an appellation primarily for Spanish wines, but also other foodstuffs. It is closely modelled after the Italian DOC. As of 2006, 65 wine regions have DO status.
The wine appelation uses two levels of labels similar to the Italian system:

• DO — Denominación de Origen
• DOCa — Denominación de Origen Calificada

The DOCa label was introduced on 3 April, 1991. Rioja is the only appelation to hold a DOC status.The  recognized wine producing regions in Spain grow a wide diversity of grapes, mostly of native origin. The great variety of wines with unfamiliar names causes confusion among many consumers.

Wine regions

There are 32 regions with a DO at the moment: