Spanish Wine 101
Spain is located in the southwestern portion of Europe and is home to plantings of over 2.9 million acres of vineyards, making it the country with the most vineyards in the world. Spain however is only the 3rd largest wine producer in the world and yet it has over 600 different varieties planted. Spain is most known for its most widely planted grape – Tempranillo, which is a key varietal to its most famous wines from Rioja to Ribero del Duero to Priorat. Spain continues to grow and adapt its winemaking and vineyard management and produces many amazing wines of superior quality from Cava (sparkling wine from the Penedes region) to Albarino from Rias Baixas (a delicious white wine similar to Sauvignon blanc) to the Rioja (a region in the heart of Spain that is the most famous of Spain’s DO’s).
Spain has a similar classification system to France and Italy, with all classified wine regions regulated under the Denominación de Origen (DO) system. With over 60 DOs, Spain has more acreage devoted to vineyards than any other country. Red wines are often labeled as Crianza, Reserva or Gran Reserva. In Rioja and the Ribera del Duero, Crianza wines are two years old, with at least 12 months spent in cask (elsewhere the oak ageing may legally be restricted to just six months). Reservas are three years old (at least one year in cask), Gran Reservas five years old (two in cask, three in bottle).
Region Classificatons
Each Appellation, or region, has regulatory bodies ( consejo regulador ) that are responsible for defining the rules of each Denominación de Origen (DO). They regulate many different elements of the wine growing system but especially the following: which grapes are authorized to be planted, what are the maximum yields, what is the minimum acidity, and they establish tiers of wine quality based on aging time. The wines are released when they are ready to drink and cellaring is not required as the wines are delicious and perfect for immediate consumption. However, many wines, most often reds, can have great aging potential and can be cellared for years to come.
Spanish Wine Aging Classification
Wines from Spain are classified based on aging time. The below classification most often applies to red wines. The classification changes with each region but is generally the following:
Joven / Cosecha: It translates to mean young. No minimum aging is required in barrel and most only have bottle aging. They are released the following year after the harvest. They show fresh, fruit flavors and are perfect for immediate consumption.
Crianza: It translates to mean aged. It requires a minimum aging time in barrel and in bottle before the wine can be released. The aging time depends on the regional requirements. These wines show complexity, oak notes and soft tannins.
Reserva: It also requires minimum aging in a barrel and in bottle, usually an extra 12 months longer than Crianza. The wines will have more oak flavors than a Crianza, and the tannins will soften up to reveal a lush flavor palate.