TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Spanish Red Wine Types
Ribera del Duero is a Spanish appellation located in several provinces of Castilla and Leon, in north-central Spain. The region is best known for big and bold varietals made with Tempranillo, also known as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais.
The blends have to include 75% Tempranillo, while other permitted varieties include Garnacha, white Albillo, and international varieties Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ribera del Duero wines are built to age. With time, they develop complexity and become more balanced.
Most of the wines are deeply colored, full-bodied, and well-structured with bright acidity and aromas of ripe fruit, vanilla, and spices. Aging requirements are similar to those in Rioja. Crianza is the youngest, aged for two years and 12 months in oak. Reserva labels are aged at least three years with at least 12 months in oak, and the Gran Reservas have to be aged for five years, including two years of oak aging.
Rioja was the first Spanish appellation that received protected status. This renowned Spanish region is located in the north of the country, on both sides of the river Ebro. It is best known for its red varietals and blends, and while Tempranillo is the dominant grape, blending varieties include Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, and Maturana varieties.
Some amount of rosés and whites are also produced. The region is vast, and it is divided into three subregions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental. Aging guidelines categorize it under the generic label with no aging requirements (also known as Joven), Crianza (aged for two years), Reserva (at least three years of age), and Gran Reserva (five years of age and a minimum of two years in a barrel).
VARIATIONS OF Rioja
Priorat is a Spanish wine region—located in the Catalonian province of Tarragona—which has been awarded DOC status (DOQ in Catalan) - the highest category in Spanish wine regulations. Established in the 12th century, Priorat has undergone significant changes through centuries, but it was René Barbier who realized the real potential of the region in the 1980s.
The backbone of red Priorat wines is made from local Garnacha and Carineña, with some amounts of French Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. The most common flavors and aromas found in rich and powerful Priorat wines include dark fruit and berries that may be accompanied by salty, spicy, mineral, and herbal notes.
Tempranillo is a red grape variety whose origin is associated with the Iberian Peninsula. Although it is planted in other countries, Tempranillo is best known as the primary grape used in the classic Rioja blend. The wines produced from Tempranillo are typically full-bodied and rich in tannins with the flavors that range from ripe red and dark berries, leather, and tobacco, while aging in French or American oak helps them attain typical vanilla and spice notes.
In the Rioja wine, Tempranillo is the principal grape, but it is often blended with Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. The grape is especially popular in Portugal where it is known as Tinta Roriz, and it has also shown success in the United States, South America, and Australia.
Rioja Alavesa is one of the sub-regions of the famed Rioja appellation. Situated between the River Ebro and the Cantabria mountain range, it is the smallest and the northernmost region of Rioja. Tempranillo is the primary grape variety, with some amount of Graciano, Garnacha, and Mazuelo.
Alavesa wines are considered of exceptional quality and are often compared to those of Rioja Alta. Unique soil composition (mostly calcareous clay) and high elevation of the vineyards influence the final character of these wines. They usually have a distinctive fruity profile, good acidity, and excellent aging potential.
Toro is a Spanish wine region located in Castile and León, around the eponymous city in Zamora. The region mostly produces red wines from Tinta de Toro—the local variant of Tempranillo that is different from those cultivated in Rioja and Ribera del Duero.
The grape produces excellent wines that are usually full-bodied, rich, potent, and concentrated. Compared to Rioja, red wines from Toro are darker, more tannic, and typically have higher alcohol content. They easily reach 15% ABV, but ideally, they would have around 13%.
Rioja Alta is a Spanish designation located in the west of the renowned Rioja wine region, with a center of production in the city of Haro. Tempranillo and Mazuelo (Carignan) are the two most prominent grapes that are used in Rioja Alta.
The region is praised for their age-worthy red wines that are the best examples of traditional Rioja. They are typically fruit-forward and lighter on the palate, though age can significantly influence the final structure as well as the taste profile.
Officially, Rioja is classified under Crianza (aged for two years), Reserva (at least three years of age), Gran Reserva (five years of age and a minimum of two years in a barrel).
Listán Negro is a Spanish grape variety that is mostly cultivated on the Canary Islands, though its origin is generally associated with the Spanish mainland. The grape has shown great success on the volcanic soils of the Canary, where it was mostly produced with carbonic maceration—a process in which the grapes are fermented before they are crushed.
This process results in lighter wines that are fruity and typically low in tannins. Listán Negro from the Canary Islands will typically display aromas of red and dark berries, roses, violets, and usually some spicy and mineral nuances. Their style may vary from light and fruity wines to more robust expressions that are achieved by oak-aging.
Garnacha, also known as Grenache in France, is a widely cultivated red wine grape variety known for producing wines with rich, fruity flavors and high alcohol content. It is one of the most versatile and widely planted grape varieties in the world, thriving in warm, dry climates.
Garnacha grapes are typically medium to large in size with thin skins, which contribute to the grape's characteristic light color and relatively low tannin levels. Wines made from Garnacha often exhibit flavors of red fruits such as raspberry, strawberry, and cherry, along with spicy notes of white pepper, cinnamon, and hints of herbs and earthiness.
Originally called Rioja Baja, this is the warmest and the easternmost part of Rioja. It is also the largest and the most productive of all sub-zones. In the past, the region was often unfairly overshadowed by Alta and Alavesa appellations, due to its low elevation and warm climate.
Garnacha is the most planted variety, but in the 1980s, there was a tendency to replace it with the more popular Tempranillo. Traditionally, the wines coming from this region had a higher alcohol content, flavors of juicy fruit, and less acidity than Alta and Alavesa wines.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Spanish Red Wine Producers
Familia Torres is a prominent Spanish winery founded in 1870 by the Torres family in the Penedès region of Catalonia. Renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, the winery produces a wide range of wines, including red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, primarily using native grape varieties such as Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Parellada.
The Torres family emphasizes sustainable vineyard practices and has been a pioneer in organic and biodynamic farming. Their vineyards are located in various regions of Spain, including Penedès, Priorat, and Ribera del Duero, allowing them to craft wines that reflect the distinct terroir of each area.
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/978449ed4ec048e4b1f736c0fceb74cc.png?w=160)
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2022, 2021, 2019, 2017
![2 stars](/images/productawards/293df135c4594051948dcfd6b3102d03.png?w=160)
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2021, 2020, 2019, 2016
![2 stars](/images/productawards/d5ff6759139b4abd9b36638f43fab77b.png?w=160)
International Wine Challenge - International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy
2017
BEST Familia Torres Wines
Altos de Rioja Winegrowers and Winemakers was born from the union and friendship of three winemakers and viticulturists with different origins, professional men of the vineyard and wine with long experience with a common passion: making high quality wines .
All wines are made with selected grapes from vineyards in the upper part of Rioja Alavesa , which we make respecting traditional methods, applying the latest knowledge and taking care of both the vineyard and the environment we have inherited to leave a healthy environment for future generations.
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/591011cff65c4944b154be4ad0f58263.png?w=160)
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
![2 stars](/images/productawards/5cefe1bdd4784814ac014162a06a8406.png?w=160)
Asia Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
![2 stars](/images/productawards/3c4da01ec9f64de3b9c7b965e2339eed.png?w=160)
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2020
BEST Altos de Rioja Wines
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/1f08497a5b8d4277aa3d897730910118.png?w=160)
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2023
![2 stars](/images/productawards/5af37e39195f41ae882f005ec7e9c089.png?w=160)
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2019
![2 stars](/images/productawards/0c0b7401875a41bdbe045db31197ea16.png?w=160)
Asia Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2019, 2018
BEST J. García Carrión Wines
El Coto de Rioja was founded in 1970. In these more than 50 years, our wines have become the favorites of Spanish consumers and in all the categories we produce: white, rosé, crianza and reserva. El Coto de Rioja is a brand that has known how to evolve, adapt to new times and think about the future, but without losing its identity.
We have been wine specialists for more than fifty years.
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/5af37e39195f41ae882f005ec7e9c089.png?w=160)
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2019
![2 stars](/images/productawards/95ce9b6ed54c406daa6797ffae35983b.png?w=160)
International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion Red 2020
2020
![2 stars](/images/productawards/7953d9fad5ed424c82ca2b32fcb3a113.png?w=160)
International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion Red 2015
2015
BEST El Coto de Rioja Wines
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/5bad7753cec44c11be4711656a02acaa.png?w=160)
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2023
![2 stars](/images/productawards/644415284a81457cacea077c7be8e30f.png?w=160)
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2019
![2 stars](/images/productawards/6c20d23b07044add9f52de48d76af1d7.png?w=160)
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2020
BEST Carmim Wines
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/7bc4b343d2364006b03c953731a05097.png?w=160)
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2023, 2020, 2017
![2 stars](/images/productawards/5af37e39195f41ae882f005ec7e9c089.png?w=160)
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2019
![2 stars](/images/productawards/fa6788d348ef40fd834fcbbbcefecf8b.png?w=160)
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2023
BEST Bodegas Faustino Wines
,Artadi is a renowned Spanish winery located in Laguardia, within the Álava province of the Basque Country. Established in 1985 as a cooperative of 13 local vine growers, it has evolved under the leadership of Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, who took control in 1992.
The winery is celebrated for its commitment to producing terroir-driven wines, emphasizing single-vineyard expressions primarily from the Tempranillo grape. Artadi's vineyards span approximately 80 hectares, planted on diverse clay and limestone soils, and are managed using organic and sustainable viticultural practices.
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/f19b2712ac674a8db1f929f07e703686.png?w=160)
Falstaff - 99
BEST Bodegas y Viñedos Artadi Wines
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/e061a2439e364425bcc1ffe5cbaf21ca.png?w=160)
Asia Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
![2 stars](/images/productawards/fb7a754240684c62a43175a42fe41e92.png?w=160)
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2021, 2019
BEST Bodegas Manzanos Wines
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/86399f43ab6045cbb256e576aa9e140c.png?w=160)
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2021
![2 stars](/images/productawards/6d541e40217141a7a96e6033e89d1796.png?w=160)
USA Wine Ratings - Gold
2021
![2 stars](/images/productawards/443512ea59a2489b82b5114401218e66.png?w=160)
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2022
BEST Bodega Félix Solís Avantis Wines
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/591011cff65c4944b154be4ad0f58263.png?w=160)
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
![2 stars](/images/productawards/443512ea59a2489b82b5114401218e66.png?w=160)
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2022
![2 stars](/images/productawards/af78140d977d460c95379b22d220afc5.png?w=160)
International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion White 2017
2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Spanish Red Wines
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/94793a98cb8c452a8150e25a823fbbce.png?w=160)
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2021, 2020, 2019
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/06bb771fc406462c9d4184d01173032f.png?w=160)
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2019, 2017
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/74e4ddb86c0b4c06bb6b88764d5a6b5a.png?w=160)
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024
![2 stars](/images/productawards/591011cff65c4944b154be4ad0f58263.png?w=160)
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/dbada169a547400c939279a160f0cc08.png?w=160)
International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion Red 2016
2016
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/a4dbd2eab5604e1e8522dd53ecf214c9.png?w=160)
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2017
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/9f88a5a837cb4aab9bb392065e863756.png?w=160)
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2018
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/9f88a5a837cb4aab9bb392065e863756.png?w=160)
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2018
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/9f88a5a837cb4aab9bb392065e863756.png?w=160)
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2018
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/94793a98cb8c452a8150e25a823fbbce.png?w=160)
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2019
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