The amazing wine of Spain we are looking forward to

Shortly, we will be travelling to Spain! We are looking forward to the opportunity of tasting a range of Spanish wines while we are in the country. The Spanish wines that you get locally are far different than the ones that are exported around the world, typically. This post is to share some of the planning for us to enjoy the amazing wine of Spain on our upcoming trip.

Wine tasting when we travel gives us the opportunity to give local wine a try. While we may feel a pain of regret that it is so difficult for us to ship large quantities of wine we like from Europe to Canada, we are happy to pick up a bottle here and there as we travel.

Background 

The typical wines we see from Spain here in Victoria, BC, are largely the large producer/best sellers of a few white wines and sherries, red wine, and sparkling cava. A variety of low end bottles and higher range bottles but very few mid-range selection. Each of the regions we will be visiting grows a variety of varietals and produces some very high end, top quality wines. We look forward to tasting as many as we can!

Amazing Wine of Spain: Regions

We will be travelling to three distinct regions while in Spain. In this section I provide some details on each region; climate; the varietals we anticipate seeing; some anticipated activities we hope to enjoy while wine tasting our way through the region.

Madrid: Amazing Wine of Spain

Climate

Madrid is located smack dab in the middle of Spain. The Madrid wine region has a continental Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters with moderate to low rainfall. This climate, along with the region’s diverse soils, contributes to the unique flavours and aromas found in the Vinos de Madrid wines. There is moderate to low rainfall with much of it happening in the spring and fall.

There are micro-climates throughout, and these bring some of the nuances to the wine itself. The hot, dry summers and cold winters can stress the vines, concentrating flavors and aromas in the grapes. The diurnal temperature variations, especially at higher altitudes, also play a role in developing the robust profiles of the wines.

Regions of Note

While in Madrid we anticipate having access to wine from all the surrounding key wine regions including those located in Central Spain (Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha), and those of the Duero River Valley (Castile and Leon).

Varietals of Note

Key red varietals include Tempranillo (also known as Tinto Fino in the area) and Garnacha, while common white varieties include Malvar and Albillo. Other permitted red grapes include Cabernet Sauvignon, Graciano, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah.

Wine Activities

We’ve been looking at the Enotourism in Madrid website to learn more about local opportunities for wine tasting. There are local within Madrid activities – at rooftop bars such as Sky44 as well as Wine Tasting Tours which look very interesting to us!

Tarragona: Amazing Wine of Spain

Climate

This part of Spain experiences a more Mediterranean climate with some continental influences in the higher altitude areas inland. Inland has higher temperatures in the summer and cooler in the winter months. Highs can be up to 35 degrees C, and lows in winter down to 3 degrees C.

Rainfall varies, with the most in the spring and autumn months. Seabreeze’s – the marinada – moderate some of the summer heat. In addition, the Ribera d’Ebre is influenced by the mistral winds which can impact vineyards.

The diversity of the climate affords the region a wide range of varietal options for grapes.

Regions of Note

While here, we will be venturing into Camp de Tarragona and the Ribera d’Ebre wine regions. A well-known sub-region is Priorat. Also close by – a short train ride away – is Penedes, home of Cava.

Varietals of Note

White varieties include Airen, Macabeo (Viura), Parellada, Sauvignon Blanc, and Torrontes. Garnacha, Masuela (Carignan), and Tempranillo are key red grapes.

Wine Activities

There is a wide variety of options of things to do while in the Tarragona area. Wine cellars to sample, bike wine tasting tours, tourist trains to take you to various wineries and historical sites. There is alot to do. We are still sorting through the options but will likely visit Penedes to create our own cava bottle. And, we will visit Priorat for its highly sought after red wines. Along with a visit to some local cellars.

Mallorca: Amazing Wine of Spain

Climate

This wine region enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The island’s location in the sea results in high humidity and rainfall, often delivered in the form of violent storms, which can impact vineyards. Temperatures soar in the summer – sometimes up to 40 degrees C/104 F.

The islands’ mountainous Serra de Tramuntana range provides some protection from cold, northerly winds, creating milder conditions in the central and southern parts of the island. It can be quite dry, overall, but is quite high in humidity due to the sea.

Regions of Note

There are two Denominació d’Origen (D.O.) wine regions: Binissalem and Pla i Llevant. Additionally, there are three Vino de la Tierra (V.d.T.) designations: Vi de la Terra Mallorca, Vi de la Terra Serra de Tramuntana-Costa Nord, and Vi de la Terra Illes Balears.

Varietals of Note

Both local and international grape varietals thrive on this island. The main red grapes include Callet, Mantonegro, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. For white wines, Prensal Blanc (also known as Moll), Chardonnay, and Muscat are popular, along with other international varieties like Riesling and Viognier. 

Wine Activities

For a small island, there is a very robust wine economy! We look forward to visiting some of the top vineyards on the island; and, there are plenty of wine tours. Mallorca Wine Tours has a fantastic train wine tour that looks very intriguing. Binissalem, known as Mallorca’s wine capital, is rich with wine making history on the island and with tasting houses for the surrounding vineyards.

Summary on the Amazing Wine of Spain

As you can tell, there will be ample opportunity to enjoy the local wine, and to learn more about the unique wine regions within the county of Spain. The largest challenge for us will be logistical. We hope to do much of our wine tasting by foot, local transit, and possibly tours.

Although we won’t be sending any wine home, we are looking forward to sampling many in our rental accommodations and when we are out and about!

Click this Travel posts link for more information on our travels, and this Wine posts link for more information on our wine tasting activities –