In the current wine market, consumers are price-conscious – and rightfully so.
Although European and Argentinian wines dominate the industry with excellent quality-to-price ratios, it’s worthwhile to look more closely at Spanish wines.
Since the 1970s, Spain has completely turned its industry around, from an insipid abundance of bulk wine to what is now an amazing array of world-class wines.
Stylistically, Spanish wines work for almost all palates. For some, French and Italian wines can seem earthy and austere, while for others, New World wines can be too fruity. Spanish wine is perfectly situated between the two extremes and can be enjoyed by almost anyone.
For red wine drinkers, there are several options that are worth exploring. To begin, let’s start in Spain’s most famous red wine district, Rioja.
Rioja is to Spain what Napa is to California. The reds of Rioja rely on the grape variety tempranillo. Similar to cabernet sauvignon, tempranillo grapes have thick skins and higher acidities. The thicker skins create dark-colored, structured wines that benefit from heavy oak influence, which is why they are typically fancied by California cabernet drinkers.
Three districts in Rioja can claim the great appellation: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Baja. The first two in particular are known for producing wines of body, structure and elegance.
Spain’s unique classification system helps consumers to know that a wine has met a minimum aging requirement. To be classified as “Crianza,” a wine must be aged for at least two years, with one year in oak barrels. “Reserva” wines require three years of aging, with one year in oak barrels. “Gran Reserva” wines must age for five years, with two years in oak barrels, although most producers of Gran Reservas exceed the five-year aging minimum.
These unique classification requirements enable the consumer to find aged Spanish wines at relatively affordable prices compared to similarly aged wines from elsewhere.
Keep in mind that the longer the wines are barrel-aged, the more delicate and nuanced they become. If you are looking for ripeness and power, then Crianza wines are best. For more elegant and integrated wines, seek out Reservas or Gran Reservas.
Crianzas can be found in the $10-$25 range, while Reservas are $20-$40 and Gran Reservas are $40 and up. The price tag of the Gran Reservas may seem daunting, but when you consider that the wine was barrel- and bottle-aged at the winery, this is quite a bargain.
The wines of Rioja are quite versatile. For the cocktail wine drinker, these wines are ripe with notes of cherries, vanilla and relatively soft tannins. They truly shine when paired with grilled steak, pork loin or lamb. These wines are more about balance than power, and, as a result, always accommodate a meal without overpowering it.
Alan Cuenca is an accredited oenophile and owner of Put a Cork in It, a Durango wine store. Reach him at info@putacorkinit.org.
