Red wine from Spain

The best red wine in Spain: discover variety and quality

Spain is one of the most important wine-producing countries in the world and impresses with an impressive variety of red wines. From powerful Tempranillos from Rioja to elegant Garnachas from Priorat, the country offers the perfect drop for every taste. One example of this diversity is the Bierzo region, which is known for its high-quality wines. In this article, we discover the fascinating world of Spanish red wines, their origins, grape varieties and perfect food pairings.

Spain – a paradise for red wine lovers

With over 950,000 hectares of vineyards, Spain has the largest contiguous wine-growing area in the world. The different climate zones and soil conditions allow a wide variety of grape varieties to be cultivated, producing red wines that are both diverse and full of character.

Important wine regions of Spain

Rioja – The heart of Spanish red wine

The Rioja region, located in the north of Spain, is world-famous for its high-quality red wines. The Tempranillo grape variety dominates here, often complemented by Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. The wines are characterised by aromas of red fruits, vanilla and spices and have a high ageing potential.

Ribera del Duero – Powerful Tempranillos

The Ribera del Duero region extends south from Burgos along the Duero river. Here, the Tempranillo grape, known locally as Tinta del País, is used to make deep, dark, full-bodied wines with intense aromas of blackberry, plum and spicy notes. On the palate, these wines are remarkably smooth and complex, intensifying the sensory experience.

Priorat – Mineral elegance

Priorat is located in Catalonia in the northeast of Spain. The steep slate slopes and Mediterranean climate give the wines a unique minerality. Made primarily from Garnacha and Cariñena, they impress with their complexity and depth.

La Mancha – wide plains and variety

La Mancha, the largest wine-growing region in Spain, offers ideal conditions for cultivating various grape varieties. In addition to Tempranillo, international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec can also be found here. The wines are diverse and offer excellent value for money.

Navarre – where tradition meets innovation

Located north of Rioja, Navarre has made a name for itself in innovative winemaking. In addition to traditional Tempranillo wines, winemakers here are successfully experimenting with international grape varieties and cuvées.

Important grape varieties for Spanish red wines

Tempranillo – the star among Spain's grape varieties

Tempranillo is the most widely grown red grape variety in Spain and forms the backbone of many top wines. It produces medium to full-bodied wines, characterised by aromas of red fruits, tobacco and leather.

Garnacha – Fruity finesse

Garnacha, known internationally as Grenache, produces fruity wines with aromas of cherries and strawberries. It is in Priorat and Calatayud, in particular, that it reaches its full potential.

Monastrell – Full-bodied

Widespread in Jumilla and Alicante, Monastrell (also known as Mourvèdre) produces dark, tannin-rich wines with spicy, earthy notes and remarkable body.

Mazuelo and Graciano – The team players

These two varieties are often used in cuvées to increase structure and complexity. Mazuelo (also called Cariñena) provides acidity and tannins, while Graciano adds aromatics and freshness.

Quality levels and types of ageing

Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva

Spanish red wines are classified according to their ageing period:

• Crianza: Matured for at least two years, with at least six months of that time in an oak barrel.
• Reserva: Matured for at least three years, with at least one year of that time in an oak barrel.
• Gran Reserva: Matured for at least five years, with at least two years of that time in an oak barrel and two years of that time in the bottle.

These classifications provide information about the character and ageing potential of the wines.

Wine and food: perfect pairings

The diversity of Spanish red wines allows for numerous harmonious combinations with food. Here are a few recommendations:

Tapas and light red wines

Young, fruity Tempranillos or Garnachas go perfectly with classic tapas such as patatas bravas, albóndigas or jamón ibérico. They emphasise the variety of flavours in the small dishes without covering them up.

Grilled meat and full-bodied wines

For grilled lamb or beef, full-bodied wines from the Ribera del Duero are perfect. Their intense fruit flavours, including cherry, and strong tannins harmonise perfectly with the roasted flavour of the meat.

Paella and versatile companions

A lighter red wine from Navarra or a rosé is recommended with a traditional seafood paella. These wines complement the flavours of the dish without dominating.

Cheese and aged red wines

Reservas or Gran Reservas from Rioja go well with aged Manchego or other hard cheeses. The complex aromas of the wine perfectly complement the intensity of the cheese.

Buy Spanish red wines online: convenience in the shopping basket

Buying red wines from Spain online is an easy and convenient way to bring the best from the country's wine regions to your home. Thanks to clear filter functions and helpful categories by region, grape variety, vintage or alcohol content, the selection is particularly easy. Whether you are looking for an elegant Rioja DOCa for special occasions or a strong Monastrell for a barbecue, all types of wine can be conveniently compared, sorted and added directly to the shopping basket in the online shop.

Bodegas with history and character

Many Spanish bodegas have been family-owned for generations and stand for a deep understanding of terroir, tradition and innovation. Names like Emilio Moro in Ribera del Duero or El Nido in Jumilla have made a name for themselves internationally. These producers combine modern cellar technology with traditional methods of winemaking and deliver expressive, characterful wines with soul.

The influence of climate and soil on winemaking

Spain's climatic conditions are extremely diverse. While cool nights in the north provide freshness and structure, the hot, dry south delivers concentrated, full-bodied red wines. Limestone, slate and clay soils characterise the stylistics of the wines and decisively influence the tannin structure, aromas and ageing potential. In Priorat or Montsant in particular, the influence of the soil on the glass contents is clearly noticeable.

Maturing in barriques: wood and maturity

Maturing in barriques is an essential part of Spanish red wine production. Carefully selected French or American oak barrels give the wine additional aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, toast or coffee. Depending on the desired style, the wines are stored in the wood for between six months and several years. Well-integrated barrique ageing gives the wine depth without masking the fruit.

International grape varieties in a Spanish interpretation

Alongside traditional Spanish grape varieties such as Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mencía and Monastrell, international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec are also used. This results in modern cuvées with an international style that also preserve the character of the country, particularly in regions such as Castilla-La Mancha and Navarra.

Quantities and formats: from 37.5 cl mini-bottles to magnums

Spanish red wines are available in many bottle sizes – making it easy to find the right amount for the occasion. The standard size is the 75 cl bottle. For romantic dinners, a half bottle is perfect, while magnums (1.5 litres) make an impression at parties and allow the wine to age particularly well.

Mallorca and the Balearic Islands – island wines with Mediterranean charm

The wines of Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca are becoming increasingly popular. Grape varieties such as Manto Negro and Callet produce charming, spicy reds that go perfectly with Mediterranean cuisine. Modern bodegas here focus on small quantities, high quality and the preservation of local varieties. Historically, Spain has a rich wine culture dating back to 1492, when sherry and other wines were first exported, underlining the importance of these wines in the Spanish wine industry.

The importance of the vintage

Not every vintage is the same – especially with Spanish red wines, it's worth taking a look at the label. Years with hot weather produce powerful wines with a high alcohol content and rich fruit. Cooler years produce elegantly structured wines with lively acidity. Vintage quality plays an important role, especially for Gran Reservas and high-quality cuvées.

Cuvée – the harmonious interplay

Many of the best Spanish red wines are cuvées, blends of different grape varieties. The art of blending lies in combining the strengths of individual grapes: for example, the fruit of the Garnacha with the structure of the Tempranillo and the spice of a small proportion of Graciano. This is how complex, multi-layered wines with an individual character are created.

Alcohol content and body: from light to full-bodied

The alcohol content of Spanish red wines usually ranges from 13% to 15.5%. Lighter wines from the north of Spain or higher altitudes impress with their freshness, while warmer growing zones such as Jumilla or Toro produce full-bodied, full-flavoured wines with a high extract. Often, only a few bottles of these special wines are still available, which emphasises their limited and exclusive nature.

Colour intensity and appearance in the glass

The colour of a Spanish red wine provides clues to the grape variety, age and maturation. Young Garnachas often have a lighter cherry red colour, while mature Tempranillos are a deep garnet red. The maturation, tannins and concentration are reflected in the glass – a pleasure to behold.

Ageing potential

Many Spanish reds are excellent for laying down. Gran Reservas from Rioja or Priorat cuvées develop over decades. The structure of tannins, acidity and alcohol allows for slow maturation, during which aromas of cherries, plums and spices combine with tertiary notes such as leather or tobacco.

Character and style: the diversity of a country

Whether velvety, spicy, fruity or mineral – Spanish red wines cover a broad spectrum. Depending on the region, the vinification and the grape variety, different styles emerge. The vineyards play a decisive role here, as the terroir, consisting of microclimate and soil conditions, shapes the quality and characteristic taste of the wines. The character of many Spanish wines delights both beginners and experienced wine lovers alike.

Sustainability and modern winemaking

More and more bodegas in Spain are focusing on sustainable production, organic winemaking and the protection of old vineyards. This new generation of winemakers combines respect for nature with technological know-how, producing wines of convincing authenticity and quality.

The right drinking temperature

Spanish red wines develop their full aroma at the right drinking temperature. Young, fruity wines are best drunk at 14–16 °C. Mature Gran Reservas or full-bodied cuvées can be served at 17–18 °C. Too warm and the alcohol dominates – too cold and the tannins seem harsh.

Choice of glass and culture of enjoyment

A large, bulbous red wine glass is ideal for Spanish reds. It allows the aromas to unfold optimally and emphasises the depth of the wine. The right glass is an underrated but crucial factor in enjoying a wine, especially when it comes to high-quality content.

FAQ about Spanish red wines

Which Spanish reds are particularly recommended?

Particularly appreciated are Tempranillos from Rioja DOCa, powerful Ribera del Duero wines and complex Garnacha cuvées from Priorat. El Nido from Jumilla is also an internationally recognised top-quality wine.

What is the difference between Rioja and Ribera del Duero?

Rioja wines are often more elegant, more mature and have vanilla and spicy notes due to the barrique ageing. Ribera del Duero, on the other hand, produces darker, more powerful wines with intense fruit and structure.

How long can Spanish red wines be stored?

Many Crianza or Reserva wines can be stored for 5–10 years. Gran Reservas, high-quality Priorat wines or top cuvées like El Nido can easily be aged for 15 years or more.

Which grape variety is the most important for Spanish red wine?

Tempranillo is by far the most important red grape variety in Spain. It is grown in almost all wine regions and forms the basis of many quality wines.

Which Spanish red wines go well with food?

Young Tempranillos or Garnacha go well with tapas. Ribera del Duero or Toro go well with lamb or beef. Aged Rioja wines are perfect with cheese or stews.