Spanish wines offer many of the qualities of French and Italian wines, but
lower demand (mainly due to the relative lack of wine exports
from Spain) has kept their prices well within reach, and their
value for money is excellent, in most cases.
Known mainly for red wines, sparkling wines, and Sherry, the Spanish wine industry
dates back more than 2,000 years, and the country boasts the
largest extension of vineyards in the world (more than 14,000
square kilometers, or 5,400 square miles).
There are at least 50 wine regions in Spain. Among the best-known regions is the Rioja, known for its strong,
flavourful, wood-barrel-aged reds. Catalonia is known for high-quality
Cavas, or sparkling wines, a less expensive alternative to French
champagne; as well as reds like Merlot and Cabernet. The city
of Jerez has been known worldwide for its Sherry for centuries,
while white wines from the Rueda region have been growing in
popularity and gaining international acclaim over the past few
years.
Examine the world wine regions, from the OLD to the NEW.
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