Key Facts on Spanish Wine

Vines are the 3rd crop in Spain after cereals and olives
15.5% of world vineyards- largest in the world
- Followed by France and Italy
Low yields mean only 3rd (17.1%) in production
Over 60% of vineyards are white!
Important grape varieties
- Red: Tempranillo, Bobal, Garnacha, Monastrell, Mencía
- White: Airén, Macabeo, Palomino, Pedro Ximenez, Verdejo
Vineyards in all 17 autonomous regions
- La Mancha: (the greatest surface area of vines in the world)
- Rioja: most densely planted region in Spain
56.2% has a designation of origin as a quality wine
Spain has over 65 Denominación de Origen (DO)
- A wine appellation with strict rules controlling wine production
- Often have indication of oak aging: crianza, reserve, gran reserva
41 areas with Vino de Tierra Designation
- A lesser level with less rules…some of the best wines in Spain
- Gives more freedom to winemakers
One third of Spanish production is exported (increasing)
- Top customers: UK, Germany, USA
- Fifth importer to the US after Italy, Australia, France, Chile
Some key tendencies
- Constant changes
- Old vines and single vineyards
- International grape varieties and indigenous grape varieties
- More international styles: wines to please wine critics
- More regional styles also trendy
- Blockbuster style: more everything–alcohol, fruit, tannin, oak
- Higher prices!

A red wine country
- Red wines can compete at highest levels in international market
- Good value, inexpensive whites dominate
- Higher quality whites coming on slowly
In full revolution
- Great wines being made in every corner of Spain
- Classic area evolving but losing out in export market
- Controversy of international styles vs traditional styles
Ribera and Rioja still dominant in internal market
- Ribera: quality but pricey
- Rioja: a confusing variety of styles
Spain also has amazing cavas, dessert wines, and fortified wines
- These wines offer great value
Consumption in Spain decreasing but quality increasing
Export market becoming more and more important
Prices still good but rising quickly
More international prestige but still behind France and Italy
- More marketing needed!