Spanish Red Wines
With all the different grape-growing regions and complex names, Spanish wines can seem complicated. But don’t let that fool you. Spanish wines are some of the tastiest, and their prices are easy on the wallet, so anyone can give these flavors a go.
It’s the perfect time to enjoy Spanish red wines, some of the easiest wines around—easy to select, easy to drink and easy on your wallet.
Spanish wines first became popular in the U.S. in the late 90s. About twenty years ago, most wine aficionados knew very little about Spanish wine. They knew the Torres Winery in Penedes produced some of the best wines anywhere, and that the Ribera del Duero region engendered several top wines. Beyond that, it was Rioja as the place and Tempranillo (pronounced tem-prah-NEE-yoh) as the grape—and many of the Tempranillos were not that well made.
It’s now known that Spain has more acres planted in wine grapes than any country in the world—2.9 million acres—and is the third largest producer of wine behind Italy and France. The wines range from locally produced table wines to varietals from internationally recognized regions, such as Rioja, Jerez, and Catalonia. Today, Spanish wines enjoy an outstanding reputation, and are plentiful, delightful, and affordable.
The Panarroz Jumilla is a full-bodied wine with a long finish and spicy licorice and cherry flavors. This is a great choice when you’re making a pork or spicy chicken dish, and would also be the perfect accompaniment to your next BBQ. And the Las Rocas Garnacha is a fabulous red wine that is warm and spicy with ripe cherry flavors and a wonderfully smooth finish. It comes from the Calatayud region of Spain, known for the high altitudes and old vine vineyards. This wine would complement a hearty red meat entrée, but would be equally great paired with just a simple spread of cheese, dried sausage and crackers.
The La Mancha area is Spain’s largest wine-producing region and is also known for being the setting in the novel Don Quixote. The Tempranillo is a popular wine from this region. The Paso A Paso Tempranillo is a wine full of fruit and spice aromas and has a velvety smooth finish. Pair it with red meat dishes or flavorful pastas to bring out the best in this medium-bodied and approachable wine.
What’s not to love about Spain, especially the fantastic international vibe around Madrid? Evening starts at 8 pm or later and goes long into the night, thanks in part to the famous Spanish siesta, an afternoon rest or nap. Another great Spanish custom is snacking on delicious tapas (snacks or appetizers). Tapas means “lid” or “cover”, and the meaning originally comes from the practice of balancing your “little snack” on your glass of wine. There is some debate as to why this was done; whether it was to keep out the flies, or just because it was a convenient way to eat and drink single-handedly, no one knows. But it has left us with a tasty tradition of pairing wine and small bites for a delicious experience.
Tapas don’t have to be difficult or complicated. Some of the favorite tapas are Manchego cheese with crusty bread, dry-cured chorizo sausage, or Marcona almonds. Add some thin slices of Serrano ham and Spanish cured olives, and you have a great, easy-to-prepare spread to share with friends. Add some fabulous Spanish wine, and you have a party!
Enjoying the pleasures of Spain doesn’t have to mean a long and expensive plane ride. Simply get to World Market, grab several wonderful, affordable Spanish wines, and pair them with some tasty tapas ingredients. A little effort, a few friends, and you can transport yourself and your guests to Spain tonight!
