Spain

Spain is the third largest wine producer in the world, with nearly three million acres dedicated to vineyards. Bordered by the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Pyrenees, and with an elevated and dry interior, Spain has seven distinct climatic regions, leading to a remarkable variety in wine-growing conditions. More than 400 grape varieties are planted throughout Spain, although most of the country’s wine production is derived from 20 main grape varieties, including Albariño, Garnacha, Monastrell and Tempranillo. A large number of distinct wine producing regions are spread across the country, with more than half of them classified as Denominación de Origen (DO, or designation of origin), and the remainder being classified as Indicaciòn Geográfica Protegida / Vino de le Tierra (IGP/VdlT, or protected geographical indication / local wines). Spain also has a Vino de Pago (single vineyard) category, indicating a consistent and high quality product.

• Key Varieties: Spanish varieties include Airén, Albariño, Bobal, Garnacha, Macabeo, Monastrell, Palomino, Pedro Ximénez, Tempranillo, Verdejo, and Xarel-lo.
• Climate: Variations of Mediterranean, oceanic, and semi-arid.
• Soil: Varies across and within regions.
• Did You Know: Mineral-rich, El Bierzo was the largest mining area of the Roman Empire.