About Spanish Wine

About Spanish Wine
Spain today ranks as the third largest wine producing nation, trailing only France and Italy in the category. Vineyards are planted in numerous regions throughout the country and recently tens of thousands of acres have been planted in the La Mancha region, not far from Madrid in the middle of Spain.

There are many different types of Spanish wines, ranging from the highly popular and enjoyable sparkling wines known as Cava; these well made wines are reasonably priced. Albariño, a dry, aromatic white from northwestern Spain, has become very popular in the US market, especially as a food wine with Asian or fusion cuisine.

Of course, Spain is best known for its red wines. Historically the most famous and highly regarded reds have been from Rioja, but as of late reds from Ribera del Duero and Priorat have helped boost Spain's identity as a country of superior red wines.

Finally, there are sherries of exceptional quality in various degrees of dryness and sweetness; these are among the world's greatest and most popular fortified wines.

Top Picks for Spain

Bodegas Piqueras 2020 Castillo De Almansa Roble Almansa
94 points
$12
Best Buy
Herbal and floral in companionship with bold dark red fruits and earthy tones, this is an indulgent, plush wine with broad appeal.
94 points $12 Best Buy
Vilano 2019 Crianza Ribera Del Duero
94 points
$24
An incredibly well-balanced and integrated interplay of fruit and oak shines through in this delicious Tempranillo.
Awards: 2022 Best Tempranillo
Legón 2019 Premium Ribera Del Duero
94 points
$45
Savory aromas develop into a fruit forward and full-bodied red wine to pair with gamier meat courses.
Awards: 2022 Top 2 Ribera del Duero
Vilano 2019  Ribera Del Duero
94 points
$54
A smooth wine with big fruit, structure, and oak likely to improve with years of bottle conditioning.
Awards: 2022 Top 2 Ribera del Duero
Kirkland Signature 2016 Gran Reserva Ribera Del Duero
93 points
$13
Best Buy
A silky, fruit-driven Ribera del Duero that is drinking deliciously now with the structure to evolve in the cellar.
93 points $13 Best Buy
Rubus 2021 Red Blend Vino de Castilla
93 points
$16
Best Buy
An inviting and generous Spanish red that will cover many bases with aplomb; brooding dark fruit is backed with savory chocolate and oak flavors.
93 points $16 Best Buy
Bodegas Piqueras 2019 Los Losares Monastrell Mourvedre
93 points
$8
Best Buy
A classic and delicious Mourvedre that is very easy to drink now but has the potential to gain depth and nuance with a little more age.
93 points $8 Best Buy
Bodegas Piqueras 2019 Los Losares Garnacha Tintorera
93 points
$8
Best Buy
A dense, inky red wine that wraps you in a warm blanket of dark macerated fruit and rich oak spices.
93 points $8 Best Buy
Bodegas Piqueras 2019 Old Vines Garnacha Tintorera
93 points
$9
Best Buy
Ripe and fruity with crisp acidity, this will make an adventurous alternative BTG for Zinfandel and Merlot fans at steakhouses.
93 points $9 Best Buy
Vilano 2020 Crianza Ribera Del Duero
93 points
$24
A lush and savory expression of Tempranillo with a depth of black fruits, leather, cherries, and nice tones of oak.