The wine culture has spread all over the world so much that Spain has gained ground in this market, for its wide variety of wines, as well as for its excellent quality and effectiveness in production. In this mentta article we show you the best-known Spanish wines, both the names and the designations of origin, so take note and enjoy the good Spanish wine!
During pre-Roman and Roman times, the Phoenicians and Greeks introduced the vine to the Iberian Peninsula. However, it was during the Roman period (3rd century B.C. to 5th century A.D.) when viticulture expanded significantly. The Romans improved wine growing and production techniques, and many of the grape varieties grown in Spain today have their roots in this period. In the Middle Ages and Islamic rule Spain was under Islamic rule in many areas. Despite Islamic restrictions on alcohol consumption, wine production continued in some regions. In addition, Christian monasteries maintained the winemaking tradition and contributed to the development of the industry.
The arrival of the Reconquest and the expansion of the Christian territories allowed for a resurgence of viticulture. During this period, vineyards were established in regions such as Rioja, Jerez and Ribera del Duero. Sherry wines began to gain international renown. It was in the 18th century that our country became one of the main exporters of wine to America and other parts of the world. In the 19th century the phylloxera plague, an insect that attacks the roots of vines, seriously affected vineyards in Spain, as it did in other parts of the world. This led to the destruction of numerous vineyards and the need to replant with resistant varieties.
Throughout the 20th century, Spain experienced moments of decline and renewal in the wine industry. For much of the century, quantity was given more importance than quality, resulting in the production of low-quality bulk wines. However, from the 1970s and 1980s onwards, there was a renaissance in the production of quality wines, with a focus on traditional regions and varieties. Spain is now one of the world’s leading wine producers. Denominations of origin (DO) play a crucial role in promoting and protecting the quality and authenticity of Spanish wines. Regions such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Jerez, Priorat and Rías Baixas, among others, are internationally renowned for their high quality wines.
As we have seen in the history of Spanish wines, our country stands out for its rich winemaking tradition, famous for its quality, taste and variety. Wine production is distributed among numerous regions of the country, each one with its own soils and characteristic properties. From all over the peninsula, some of the most outstanding designations of origin known for their excellent wines are:
Spain’s wine diversity offers many options to explore and discover different styles and flavours. This is why analysing the best wines of Spain can be subjective depending on the person, however, in this list you will find the most famous wines of our country.
Spanish wines are excellent, and everyone has a different opinion about the best wines. However, there is a list of the best-selling Spanish wines on the market, among which we find:
If you liked this article about our Spanish wines, don’t miss the interview to Bodegas Cristo del Humilladero, one of our mentta shops with a wide catalogue of different wines.
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