Why Spain matters
Spain has more land under vine than any other country — though much of it is planted sparsely in a hot, dry climate. It blends ancient old-vine vineyards with a modern quality revolution.
- Tempranillo is the national red grape, behind Rioja and Ribera del Duero.
- Spain is the home of Sherry — one of the wine world's great fortified styles.
- It offers some of the best value in serious wine, thanks to old vines and lower land costs.
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Key idea: ageing labels
Spanish reds are often sold by how long they've been aged — Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva — so the label tells you the style before you taste.