Map of Spain Wine Regions
Rioja
The Rioja wine region is stretching over three provinces in northern Spain – La Rioja, Navarre and the Basque Country. Rioja DOCa is an appellation with approximately 600 wineries.
Nearest towns: Logrono, Haro, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Vitoria-Gasteiz
Main towns in Rioja wine region, Spain
Wines: Reds, whites and rose mostly in dry style. You can also find semisweet whites and sparkling wines in Rioja (Cava).
Tempranillo and Garnacha are the main black grape varieties in Rioja, as well as Mazuelo (also known as Cariñena) and Graciano. Reds, whites and rose mostly in dry style. You can also find semisweet whites and sparkling wines in Rioja (Cava).
Ribera del Duero
The Ribera del Duero wine route runs through the plateau of Castile-León. The four winemaking provinces of the region are Burgos, Segovia, Soria, and Valladolid.
The wine route lies along the Duero River and covers a length of 115 kilometres (70 miles) near towns of Aranda de Duero, Fuentelcésped, La Horra, Peñafiel, Peñaranda de Duero, Roa de Duero, San Esteban de Gormaz, and Valbuena de Duero.
The village of Quintanilla de Onésimo in the Valladolid province is called the Golden Mile of the Wine. It is home to 10 bodegas producing DO Ribera del Duero Wines.
DO Ribera del Duero produces mostly red wines that tend to be full-bodied, powerful, well-structured with intense aromas of ripe black fruit, vanilla, and spice. The region gained popularity producing Tempranillo-based blends, concentrated and aged in oak.
Red wines must contain at least 75% of Tempranillo to satisfy the requirements of Ribera del Duero DO. The other 4 permitted black grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Garnacha Tinta
Albillo Mayor is a white grape variety of Ribera del Duero.
Priorat
The mountainous region of Priorat in the province of Tarragona (Catalonia) south of the city of Barcelona and about one hour away from the Mediterranean Coast.
The Priorat wine trail runs around the villages of Gratallops, Poboleda, Siurana, Torroja del Priorat, Escaladei, La Viella Baixa, La Viella Alta, Prades and Porrera. The town of Falset is an administrative center and can be an good base for exploring the region.
Priorat is a land of red wine. White wines comprise less than 5% of total production. Garnacha and Cariñena are the main local red varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir may be used to spice up the blend.
Garnacha blanca is prevailing white blends.
Vines are grown on mountain terraces surrounded by spectacular landscapes. Viticulture is extremely difficult and the yields are low. Since 1980s, Priorat is known for its fine red wines.
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