SPAIN

We’ve been to Spain again, flew in and drove over 3,000 kms. You forget how big it is.

The mission, as usual, to uncover some great new wines. The unexpected bonus - we couldn't believe the prices!

 

A note about the quality levels

These apply to most of the key regions in Spain and are policed vigorously by the Consejo Regulador (regulatory council) in each region who control the Denominacion de Origen (DO) or, in Rioja, the Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOCa).

 

Red wines:

Joven are young wines released in the year after harvest.

Occasionally a producer may give a Joven some time in oak - these wines may be called Roble (oak) or (with a little longer still in oak) Semi-Crianza.

 

Crianza means “raising” or “rearing” and to qualify in Rioja and Ribera del Duero the wine must spend at least 12 months in oak (six months minimum elsewhere) and a further year ageing in tank or bottle.

 

Reserva are reserve wines that must be aged for three years before release. At least one year in barrel and one in bottle, the remainder in tank.

 

Gran Reserva is only made in the best years with the best grapes and has to spend a minimum of 2 years in barrel and 3 years in bottle.

 

White wines:

Whites appear mainly in Joven form, occasionally Crianza and, very rarely, Reserva.

A Crianza may be released with six months in oak and six in bottle, a Reserva with six in oak and twelve in bottle.