Spain beyond the obvious
Rioja and Ribera del Duero still matter, but Spain's most exciting bottles often come from a wider map: Galicia, Catalunya, the islands, Sierra de Gredos, Bierzo, Andalucia and smaller inland regions. Climate and altitude make a huge difference, so Spanish wine can be crisp and salty as easily as it can be dark and powerful.
Grapes and styles
Tempranillo, Garnacha and Monastrell cover only part of the red-wine picture. You will also find Mencia, local Galician varieties, Mediterranean whites and lively sparkling wines. For white wine, Albarino and other Atlantic grapes bring freshness, while skin-contact and low-intervention producers add extra texture.
Choosing Spanish wine
Look to Galicia and coastal regions for whites and seafood-friendly bottles, Garnacha and Mencia for bright reds, and classic inland regions when you want more structure. Spain is also one of the best places to find characterful value from small producers.
