Historically, Spain has long been known for its production of fortified wines. But within the last 25 years, it has become an international leader in several renowned white and red table grape varietals. A whopping 15.5% of the world's vineyards are in Spain, making Spain the number one ranked country in the world in terms of area covered by vineyards, and the third largest producer of wine behind Italy and France.
Despite most of Spain's wine being red, more than 61% of Spain's vineyards are white. This is because Spain also produces a lot of brandy and sherry. The main red grape varieties are Tempranillo, Bobal, Garnacha (Grenache) and Monastrell. The top white grape varietals include Airén, Macabeo, Palomino & Pedro Ximenez.
Spain is one the most exciting, emerging wine regions in the world right now. Across the Iberian peninsula, from Albariño to Somontano, the Spanish are rediscovering old vineyards, old varieties, and old wine ways, and dusting them off and sprucing them up for new discovery around the world.
