Spanish Red Wines
The two most famous Spanish red regions are Rioja and Ribera del Duero - and in both of these the wines are dominated by Tempranillo.
This is where the character of Spanish reds is founded: strawberry-scented Tempranillo, traditionally aged in American oak barrels, which impart a vanilla sweetness (though increasingly now bodegas are employing more French oak barrels, or a mix).
We try and find interesting reds beyond Rioja, for example listing wines from Toro, Bierzo and Catalonia. What are the other qualities which make Spanish reds interesting and exciting?
First is the heritage of old vines. As in the south of France, Spain retains large plantings of very old vines, especially the red varieties, Tempranillo, Monastrell (Mourvèdre), Garnacha (Grenache) and Carignan. These deliver concentrated, high quality juice - great raw material.
Second, and less well-known to us here, there is an exciting regionalism. One might be aware of the Catalan or Basque spirit of independence, but on wine labels from Galicia and Valencia too one sees words which are not Castilian Spanish. That regionalism is expressed in the preservation and celebration of local grape varieties, many unique to Spain.
Finally, the reds can offer amazing value. Unsurprisingly the domestic wine market has collapsed since 2008, and we encounter many estates very keen to work us, and open to gentle negotiation.
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Wine Type
Style
Grape Variety
Country
Region
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Dietary Requirement
Organic / Biodynamic
Vintage
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Peique, Mencia, Bierzo, 2020
Medium bodied
Of the 40 hectares of this family run estate 98% of it is dedicated to the grape Mencia. This...
OriginSpain
RegionBierzo
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodePEI220
GrapeMencia
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Finca Tobella, Priorat, Selección, 2017
Full Bodeid
A blockbuster, a blend of Carignan, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon with a year in oak....
OriginSpain
RegionPriorat
ColourRed
ABV14.8%
Bottle75cl
CodeTOB317
GrapeCarignan, Grenache & Cabernet Sauvignon
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Finca Tobella, Negre, Priorat, 2020
Full Bodied
From a recently founded estate in Priorat in Catalonia, a great Spanish terroir, on steep...
OriginSpain
RegionPriorat
ColourRed
ABV14.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeTOB120
GrapeCarignan, Cabernet Sauvignon & Grenache
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La Purisima, Monastrell, Yecla, 2020
Medium-bodied
The Purisima co-operative in Yecla in Murcia is the source of our highly popular Consentido...
OriginSpain
RegionYecla
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodePUR120
GrapeMonastrell
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La Purisima, Filarmonia, Yecla, 2020
Medium-bodied
MSM stands for Monastrell, Syrah and Merlot, 34% of the former and 33% of the others. Certified...
OriginSpain
RegionYecla
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodePUR320
GrapeMonastrell
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Bodegas Borsao, Garnacha, Joven, Campo de Borja, 2020
Medium Bodied
Bodegas Borsao is a big co-operative, marketing wines from over 600 growers whose land...
OriginSpain
RegionCampo de Borja
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeBOR320
GrapeGrenache
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"Restrained aromas, quite elegant in red-berry fruit with a delicate spicy touch....
OriginSpain
RegionRibera Del Duero
ColourRed
ABV15%
Bottle75cl
CodeLAH616
GrapeTempranillo
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There is a wonderful core of blackcurrant fruit to this wine. Notes of game, spice and wild...
OriginSpain
RegionRibera Del Duero
ColourRed
ABV15%
Bottle 75cl
CodeLAH316
GrapeTempranillo
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92% Tempranillo from 50-70 year old vines, with Cabernet and Merlot, given fourteen months in...
OriginSpain
RegionRibera Del Duero
ColourRed
ABV15%
Bottle75cl
CodeLAH417
GrapeTempranillo
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Segares, Rioja Tempranillo, 2019
Light Medium Bodied
Situated in Rioja Media, the vineyards lie on a plateau at 520-650 metres between the Ocón and...
OriginSpain
RegionRioja
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeNES119
GrapeTempranillo
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Vega del Rayo, Rioja, Vendimia Seleccionada, 2019
Medium Bodied
A blend of about 95% Tempranillo and 5% Mazuelo, a cheerful, oaked (American and Russian)...
OriginSpain
RegionRioja
ColourRed
ABV13%
Bottle75cl
CodeVEG219
GrapeTempranillo
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Segares, Rioja Reserva, 2010
Full Bodied
The Reserva goes into 40% new French barrels, 60% in older American oak. It's wonderful to...
OriginSpain
RegionRioja
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodeNES410
GrapeTempranillo
