Wine Tour of Spain

Wines of Spain are as diverse as the country itself. For every dish and every palate in Spain, there is a wine. In fact, Spain produces the maximum amount of wine in the world. Spain is a country that accommodates many topographical regions such as marshlands, green and hilly areas, coasts and deserts. This accounts for presence of 62 wine regions in the country amongst which are some internationally famous one such as Priorat, Rioja, and Ribera del Duero.

It is said that, Spain has got a wine to compliment each meal. From the light and dry white Fino to red and a hefty oak-aged and wine, Spain is worthy of wine yard exploration. Wines in Spain are grown across vast landscapes and about 2.9 million acres of wine plantation is done in Jerez de la Frontera alone which is situated in the southwest part of Spain. Non-Eastern region Rioja is famous for producing wines that can suit all pockets.

At approximately 38 L of wine is consumed by a single person per year in Spain and the country stands at ninth position in worldwide list of wine consumption. Over 600 different varieties off mines are found in Spain, 20 being prominent that are Albariño, Garnacha, Palomino, Tempranillo, Airen, Macabeo, Xarel·lo, Cariñena, Parellada, and Monastrell

Tradition of growing wine in Iberian peninsular has been followed since 3000 and 4000 BC. It was Carthaginians and the Phoenicians who added extra vine growing areas and also brought to improved methods of irrigation and production.

During the empire of Moor’s, alcohol was taxed heavily and it resulted in slow production that was mainly done for the purpose of exportation. With re-conquest of Spain, winemaking nourished again and the manufacturing began or consumption as well as export.

As the tourist you can visit well-known areas such as Penedes, Somontano, Cava, Rueda, Galicia and Jerez. Rioja is famous for Rioja wine and red wine of Mallorca is famous. In fact if you want to go for a self guided wine tour then Rioja is the perfect area.

The area has got several good bodegas and cellars that are open to drop in. You can also fly to Madrid and plan on visiting Peñafiel, Pesquera, Aranda del Duero, Logroño, Soria and Haro. Spending 3 to 4 night trips would be great for starting to explore Spain’s red wines.

You can also buy Palomino Fino which is actually a grape that this process to make sherry. Jerez de la Frontera of Cadiz province has a number of bodegas that will add it to your entertainment while you are taking a wine tour.

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