BCN_Cava_winery_nearby_0117_05_RGB-136-DPI-For-Web

Mainland Spain wine guide

 

Sun-soaked sands, azure waters and a collection of cool Costas, Mainland Spain is the ultimate holiday hotspot. But did you know it’s fabulous for wine too?

It’s no secret that Mainland Spain has it all. Endless stretches of champagne sands, twinkling turquoise waters, super-chic cities, the list goes on! But what you may not know, is that it’s ripe with wine regions...

We’ve put together a list of our five favourites, so sip back, relax and enjoy!

TFS_Wine_Tapas_tasting_Harbour_July_0117_02_RGB-136-DPI-For-Web

1. RIOJA

For rich reds

If you're looking for breathtaking landscapes, sun-speckled vineyards and top-ranked tipples, head to Rioja. This internationally renowned region is home to some of Spain’s best quality wines, so it’s well worth a visit if you’re a fan of rich reds.

The most planted grape in Rioja is the Tempranillo variety, and the region is home to over 500 wineries, so days spent wandering through vibrant vineyards should be high on the agenda. There are heaps of unmissable wine tours too, so you’ll be a connoisseur in no time!

JTR0015_Gavalas_Winery

2. RIBERA DEL DUERO

For fruity flavours

Competing for the title of Spain’s most-recognised wine region is Rioja’s neighbour, Ribera del Duero. The wines here are made from the Tinta del País grape variety (a clone of Tempranillo) and are matured in both oak and bottle over long periods of time, resulting in intense, smoky flavours.

The grapes are slightly darker with a thick, juicy skin, which makes for a more complex wine with rich, fruity flavours. If your taste buds tend to favour deep, full-bodied reds, this one’s for you!

SKG Wine Tour EXC 0223 01 RGB 136 DPI For Web

3. JEREZ

For sublime sherries

Sherry lovers? Make a beeline for Jerez. Located in the region of Andalucía in Spain’s sizzling south, this charming city is responsible for the production of sherry, so it’s definitely one for the must-visit list if you enjoy dry, white wines.

Sherry is made from three varieties of white grape – Palomino, Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel. The first is used to make 90% of sherries, particularly dry styles like Fino and Manzanilla, and the latter two are used for sweeter sherries. Whatever your preference, you’re sure to find the tipple to tantalise your taste buds here in Jerez!

4. RIAS-BAIXAS

For elegant whites

Perched close to the shores of north-west Spain, Rias-Baixas is the most famous wine region in Galicia, and for good reason! Over 99% of all wines produced here are white, but the different techniques used result in a fantastic array of flavours. Whether you enjoy a crisp, aromatic style, or you’re partial to a soft, subtle sip, you’re sure to find a new favourite in Rias-Baixas.

The region uses the Albariño grape variety, which gives the wines their crisp, fresh and fruity flavours. Vineyards here also make use of pergolas when planting the vines, due to the frequent rainfall which could lead to diseases in the fruit. Don’t let that put you off though – the tasty tipples certainly make up for it!

Wine 697274330 Getty RGB 136 DPI For Web

5. UTIEL-REQUENA

For refreshing rosés

If you’re looking to sample some sparkling Spanish rosés, make sure Utiel-Requena is top of the list! With spectacular seascapes, mouth-watering cuisine and winemaking traditions dating back to the 7th century, this gem in the province of Valencia’s a firm favourite in the wine world.

The vineyards here are nestled between mountainous landscapes and lush areas of countryside, so you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful backdrop for your holiday-sipping. Rosés are a staple in Utiel-Requena, thanks to the Bobal grape variety which gives the wines their structure and light acidity, so if you’re after some delicious, bubbly blushes, call off the search!

Posted: 31st Mar 2023.

Jet2.com Jet2 Holidays Jet2 City Breaks Jet2 Villas