White wines are a small niche in Ribera del Duero, but the quality achieved by Dominio del Águila in this category is impressive. We experienced this to the full at a recent vertical tasting organised by Vinoteca La Mercería near Madrid.

Born in Seville, but a globetrotter by nature, this producer and winemaker has settled in Cádiz to create very personal wines that reflect much of what he has learned during his life on different continents.

Viticulture has transcended its traditional male-dominated status. We talk to six leading female professionals in grape farming: a wine grower, a consultant, a head of viticulture, an estate manager, a multi-talented wine professional and a researcher.

With barely six hectares under vine and fewer than 30,000 bottles, the company founded by partners Carlos Mazo and Isabel Ruiz is emerging in the 2022 vintage as one of the most interesting and finest voices in Rioja Oriental.

This winery is the result of the generous actions of the Alonso Galera family. They are committed to recovering the wine heritage of this remote area in León province and to rescuing vines that had fallen into oblivion.

In a small village in the mountains of Ávila, west of Madrid, oenologist Bárbara Requejo and her partner, chef Guzmán Sánchez, are building an inspiring project with old vine Garnacha and new plantings at high elevation.

In recent years, harvests in Spain have become something of a rollercoaster. 2023 will be remembered for an ongoing drought in many areas, a severe heatwave at the end of August and the variable impact of the rain in September.

The son of Rioja’s star winemaker Marcos Eguren, Eduardo left the Sierra Cantabria family group to start on his own focusing on limited-production, super premium single-vineyard wines from San Vicente de la Sonsierra.

Recaredo has celebrated the 25th anniversary of Turó d'en Mota, its single vineyard long-aged sparkling wine, with a vertical tasting of all its vintages and the launch of 1999 Enoteca, whose first vintage was released in 2008.

Despite their own personal projects, Willy Pérez and Ramiro Ibáñez have found in De La Riva a place to delve deeper into the traditional wines of their region and to connect with increasingly passionate and knowledgeable sherry lovers.

Despite a dramatic loss of land, this variety is the strongest binding element in a vast region with diverse landscapes and climatic conditions, and the one behind its most exciting recent releases.

Basque names are not easy to pronounce, but any Garnacha from Jon Aseginolaza and Pedro Leunda that you come across is synonymous with meticulous viticulture and wines capable of capturing the landscape.

Three new Spanish wines have been released this month at La Place de Bordeaux, including the first white to reach this market: an unfortified vino de pasto from the legendary Macharnudo vineyard in Jerez made by De La Riva.

With a new winemaker appointed in 2017 and half a century in business, this idyllic estate, part of the CVNE group, is working hard to meet the challenges of global warming, changing markets and the burgeoning state of the Rioja region.

His story and the twists and turns he has taken to make it in the wine business are almost as fascinating as his creations. Could this humble producer become Mallorca's next cult vigneron?

The long, arduous process of recovering Mallorca's native varieties continues to produce results. While Giró Ros and Gorgollassa are expanding, grapes such as Escursac, Esperó de Gall, Vinater or Callet Negrella are appearing on some labels.

The company is celebrating its 100th anniversary with an eye on the future. It has just inaugurated a state-of-the-art winery designed to make better wines, seems ready to embrace generational change and is keen to expand sales beyond Catalonia.

They started just seven years ago, but the project that José Gil and Vicky Fernández have built in San Vicente is one of Rioja's most interesting. Passion, intuition and a clear vision of the future are some of the keys to their success.

The Selección Especial recognition had previously been given to other iconic brands from this century-old winery, such as Viña Ardanza 2010 and 2001, and Gran Reserva 890 2005 and 2001. This is the first time ever for the silky 904.

Nowadays, Málaga is often associated with the dry and sweet Moscatel-based whites from the rugged Axarquía region. But the famed wines of the past came from the mountains surrounding this coastal city, where Pedro Ximénez reigned supreme.

In this second part, we talk to the protagonists of two mentoring projects in Labastida, one run by Bodegas Tierra and the other initiated by Telmo Rodríguez in Remelluri.

Taking on the adventure of making wine requires hard work, passion and, of course, money. Even if they own a vineyard, it is not easy for most newcomers to get started in a field that Rioja producer Abel Mendoza describes as "the business of happiness”

North of Lleida, in inland Catalonia, the recovery and transformation of a gravel pit into a vineyard has benefited from the recovery of some old plots that are a veritable repository of ancient grape varieties.

The growing number of visitors and exhibitors and the extensive programme of tastings and presentations strengthens BWW as the leading fair for Spanish wine. And its inclusive format lures wineries of all sizes and styles.

This female-led winery from Aragon eludes all the clichés usually associated with cooperatives. Their exporting drive and ability to forge alliances with powerful partners has resulted in a qualitative breakthrough.

In an appellation where cooperatives are dominant, a small group of local and external producers are unlocking the potential of old vine Bobal grown on stony soils and begin to define a voice of their own for the region.

With three hectares and upwards of 30 plots, Teresa López champions a brave project to bring back to life the old vines that once covered the slate slopes of the Casoio river valley, close to the border with Castilla y León.

The unprecedent heat and drought experienced in 2022 has pushed Spanish producers to strengthen some practices, reconsider others and, above all, realise that they cannot take their eyes off the vineyard.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the purchase of Vega Sicilia by the Álvarez family. Celebrations included an unforgettable vertical tasting of Único with a selection of vintages from 2013 to 1942.

Spanish producers want to have a presence at La Place de Bordeaux. We talk to the first wineries to make their debut there, as well as experts and observers to find out how it works and what it can mean for the wines that make it there.

A producer with family roots in La Mancha, Ortega bravely delves into the region’s cultural codes and historic wine styles making wines with the modest Airén variety in the region’s traditional tinajas.

The white wine that has been the benchmark in terms of quality and price over the last two decades in Ribeiro can age gracefully. We had the chance to experience this at a unique vertical tasting arranged by the estate’s new ownership.

This couple of veteran winemakers have set up their own bodega at home in Cuenca, central Spain, to produce the sort of wines they like to drink. Their first achievement: producing velvety reds from the Bobal variety.

There are fewer than 15 hectares on the lapilli that fell during the eruption of the San Antonio volcano in 1677, but the Malvasia wines that emerge from this black soil caressed by the sea breeze have great opulence and character.

With over seven centuries farming vineyards in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Mestres launched the first brut nature cava in 1945. Now, the 29th generation maintains the artisan tradition of the first bottlings and the classic character in its range of wines.

This week we publish our second article with wines that we have enjoyed in recent months. It's time for whites now, so they might come in handy to cope with this summer's high temperatures.

The Montilla-Moriles producer, who has created its own style of Pedro Ximénez wines, embarks on a new chapter with the arrival of a new generation who seeks to maintain Antonio Sánchez's tradition of craftsmanship but adapted to the 21st century.

The tasting offered by this duo at Vinoble 2022 aroused the usual expectation that often accompanies them and focused on eight people who have changed the rules of the game in traditional Andalusian wines from the 18th century to the present day.

Miguel Merino's story shows that there is no easy way to take the reins of a family winery. In fact, the toughest path can eventually lead to the most captivating wines.

Judging at the DWWA (Decanter World Wine Awards) has allowed us to find out more about the ins and outs of this competition, which assessed almost 18,500 wines — 2,400 from Spain— in its most recent edition.

The Poboleda-based producer organised an extensive vertical tasting of its three top reds, 1902, 1903 and Doix, dating back to 2001. It was a great chance to see their evolution and delve into the contrasting universes of Garnacha and Cariñena.

Spain's most important wine fair brought together more than 650 exhibitors at Barcelona's Fira as well as a busy line-up of off-site activities, including Gramona's centenary celebration amid the vineyards.

The Vidal family is a rara avis in Rueda. Based in the village of La Seca, the brother and sister team tend their vines in the traditional way and produce an impressive range of limited, single-vineyard wines that can age beautifully.

The historic greatness of the wines of Montilla-Moriles lies in the biologically and oxidative aged Pedro Ximénez wines, but the future of this Andalusian region is also likely to involve its new terroir-based white wines.

A beacon of modernity in Rioja in the 1990s, Remírez de Ganuza has significantly raised the quality of its white wines with the release of a Gran Reserva and is about to launch two elegant and refined reds.

Pablo Álvarez, CEO of Tempos Vega Sicilia, announces the group’s new €20 investement in Rías Baixas during the presentation of the 40th anniversary of his family’s acquisition of the legendary Ribera del Duero house.

They do not meet the definition of successful producers, but the Sanz brothers have accomplished something that few bodegas in humble areas do: To improve the perceived quality of Navarra wines and to attract top winemakers to create wines with them.

The Spanish translation of Vignobles et vins du Nord-Ouest de l’Espagne has brought to light the exhaustive work of Alain Huetz de Lemps, the now nonagenarian geographer who tirelessly explored this area during the 1950s and 1960s.

Despite its modest beginnings, this producer working outside the DO Rueda has become a flagship winery in barely a decade. Its success proves that there is room for small, terroir-focused wine businesses in this region.

Despite the fact that Catalan sparkling wines have grown more complicated in the last decade, there has never been such a wealth of exciting bubbly in the area. These are some of our favourite sips.

A fascinating tasting with winemaker Gonzalo Iturriaga helped us to understand the complexity and nuances involved in the making of this legendary Ribera del Duero wine with ten years of ageing.

Continuing with our 2021 harvest report, we publish the impressions of the producers who work in the southern half of the country. Once again we have asked them about the key factors that shaped the vintage and how the wines are developing.

We talked to producers all across the country to find out their impressions of the 2021 harvest: the pros and cons, the key factors that shaped the year, and how the wines are developing. In this first part we look at Spain's northern half.

The release of Yjar, the first Rioja to be sold through the Place de Bordeaux shows the hard work done by Telmo Rodríguez since his return to Remelluri, the family’s property in Labastida.

On the border with Portugal, one of the most remote, overlooked regions in the Duero River valley is gaining interest thanks to its fascinating landscapes, the singularity of its soils and an unusual wealth of grape varieties.

Alberto Orte and Patrick Mata started selling Spanish wine in the US in 1999. Now they manage one of the most respected importing companies in the country and are immersed in the recovery of historic Andalusian varieties in their 16ha under vine in Jerez

Earlier this month, we had the chance to attend a tasting of historic and old Málaga wines. It was a timely occasion to delve into the rich heritage of a region which reached its peak in the 18th century.

Some wine producers obsessively pursue perfection. Sara Pérez is more interested in understanding the reality that surrounds her and capturing it in a glass of wine. But this often means thinking out of the box and taking risks.

The owners of Ontañón, one of the largest bodegas in Rioja, have recovered vineyards and caves in the Barrio de Bodegas in Quel to fulfill the dream of the patriarch, Gabriel Pérez, of making wines in his home village with the finest family grapes.

This is our second article featuring new releases tasted at Innoble, the very entertaining wine fest held in Sanlúcar de Barrameda late in June. In this case the focus is on white and fortified wines from Andalucía as well as reds.

A real favourite among wine events, Innoble brings together the most interesting producers of Andalucía with other exciting names from across Spain in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. These were some of our discoveries in the latest edition.

Since Pedro Ruiz Aragoneses took over the wine interests of the family group in 2007, the business has grown significatively with new wineries in Ribera del Duero, Galicia and Rioja, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a foundation.

The first wines labelled as villa (village) and paraje (lieux-dit) in Bierzo are those from the 2018 and 2019 vintages. This is my account of the new categories and the quality of the wines after a recent trip to the region.

The latest Spaniard to become Master of Wine shares with SWL readers the findings of his research paper on the complex scenario of sparkling wines produced using the traditional method in the Catalan region of Penedès.

In Fuente Álamo (Albacete, Murcia), the fourth generation of the Cerdán family is taking their vines of Airén and Monastrell to the next stage by bottling specific sites. Their new terroir-driven, beautifully presented wines are worth searching.

The legendary Castilian producer, who converted the type of reds he loved to drink into the style that went on to define Ribera del Duero, died at the age of 88 in Santander. With his passing, a whole era of Spanish wine comes to an end.

The most remote province in the eastern end of Ribera del Duero is attracting the interest of many wineries in search of cool climate vineyards. Last year, an association of local producers was launched to champion Soria’s amazing old vine heritage.

For many, he is just the nephew of Raúl Pérez, but one only needs to visit his winery in Valtuille de Abajo and delve a little deeper into his project to realise that César Márquez is carving his own path in this beautiful region of Spain’s northwe

With over two decades of experience under its belt, the producer who championed the treasure trove of extremely old vines from Soria, in Ribera del Duero's eastern end, keeps on exploring the potential of the fascinating Atauta Valley.

Moncalvillo Meadery, the new project of the Echapresto family (Venta Moncalvillo, La Rioja), in partnership with winemaker Sergio Sáenz, equates this honey and water-based drink with wine. Both are served side by side in their starred restaurant.

The winery in Samaniego owned by Luis Cañas Family is focused on old vineyards, the recovery of ancient varieties and single vineyard wines. Jon Cañas, 33, member of the third generation, and his experienced team, ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Despite having the same DNA as Graciano and sharing some features, the wines being made now in southern Spain with Tintilla de Rota are very different. Historically used to make sweet wines, it is now time to explore this grape’s versatility.

What difference could 50,000 bottles make in the ocean of wine in Castilla-La Mancha? For one thing, they explore the potential of the red Bobal and white Tardana varieties, and avoid the uprooting of vineyards with peculiar grapes such as Pintaíllo.

Is it possible to trace the origins of wine and grape varieties back to the first wild varieties grown in the Iberian Peninsula? Our varieties expert has gathered all the existing literature on this topic.

Beatriz Pérez and Pepe Flórez quit scientific research to grow vines on the slopes of Cangas del Narcea, an area whose winemaking tradition dates back to the 9th century. With a great deal of work, Bodega Vidas now produces eight wines from 16 plots.

You rarely get the chance to taste some of the oldest wines in the Sherry Triangle in just three weeks. Everything from old González Byass vintages through the Osborne Rare and VORS wines to the Barbadillo Reliquias.

'Albariño in large containers, and broth in small pots' is a saying that Rodri Méndez takes to heart in his whites but also in his reds made from traditional varieties in this coastal area of Galicia.

Following Amaya Cervera's comprehensive report describing the vintage in the northern half of the country and the Balearic Islands, this week we publish the views of over a dozen producers in the south of the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands.

The most difficult vintage in recent times shows considerable variations across the country. Although mildew caused extensive damage to the plants and Covid to humans, some producers are expecting to make excellent wines.

The pandemic has not dampened the excitement generated by the release of the first wine made in Jerez by the man behind Pingus. SWL met Peter Sisseck to learn more about his vision of the region, its terroir and the way he is handling his soleras.

The dynamics between Spain’s two most distinctive red wine producing regions may be changing. Whereas Rioja has traditionally invested in Ribera, the tables have now turned. Carraovejas and Mauro have just picked their first grapes in Rioja.

A better knowledge of the territory and new styles have brought profound changes to txakoli in the Basque Country. Unless you are familiar with brands and producers, the contents of a bottle can range nowadays from predictable to highly surprising.

For decades, the grapes grown on the spectacular estate owned by Ricardo Pérez Villota's family in Laserna were destined to make Contino wines. Now, Ricardo and his daughter Carmen have created a new and unique project on the banks of the Ebro River.

In an area dominated by large cooperatives and huge volumes of wine, a handful of small producers are recovering forgotten grape varieties. These are some of the new names to follow.

Perhaps not as well-known as other producers in the DO Bizkaiko Txakolina, Doniene is a veteran name in the area crafting pure, distinctive txakolis and successfully experimenting with niche wines.

He has been producing wine for a little over a decade, but Manuel "Chicho" Moldes is making steady progress in his efforts to bottle the diversity of soils and varieties of the Salnés region out of his small bodega-garage in the family home.

Pink is arguably the happiest colour to have in our glasses in such a challenging year. Regardless of how you feel about this, it is a great time to explore the unwavering dynamism of Spanish rosés.

Following Cava’s announcement last week of a long-awaited territorial division and tougher quality requirements, we interview Javier Pagés, president of the Cava Board. He talks of changes and unveils further details about the new regulation.

As consultants, Alexandra Schmedes, Margarita (May) Madrigal and Gonzalo Rodríguez are behind some well-known Spanish wines, but the ones they produce in Toledo are among the best in Castilla-La Mancha.

We explore several partnerships between private producers and cooperatives which have rewarded local growers with higher prices for their grapes while preventing the uprooting of vines and raising the overall quality in their respective areas.

Individually they represent a tiny portion of Spanish wine, but united under this brand they were one of the success stories of the Barcelona Wine Week. Now they want to reach consumers more effectively while strengthening the association.

Online sales, marketing and charity-focused campaigns on social media and wine clubs to engage with consumers are some of the most popular initiatives in the wine business over recent weeks.

Some bars and restaurants in Spain have resumed their activity during Covid-19 offering takeaways and home deliveries, but is wine part of this new scenario?

Sometimes one cannot see the wood for the trees. Which are the main singularities of Spanish wine that can used as a helpful guideline? We have listed six factors to avoid losing sight of the big picture.

Spanish and international wine lovers who have visited Muga were probably in awe of the vast number of oak vats and barrels in this winery in Barrio de la Estación in Haro. But how many of them have had the chance to tour the vineyards?

Viura, Albillo, Dona Blanca, Palomino, Pedro Ximénez or Airén are usually described as “neutral” grape varieties, but the picture has changed in recent years because they are emerging as great terroir translators.

In this long interview, the dean of wine publishing in Spain talks about his early days, the challenges for Spanish wine in the world, his activity on social media, the coronavirus crisis and his memoirs, who promise to ruffle a few feathers.

Loss of smell, which has been accepted as one of the symptoms of COVID-19, can turn into a traumatic experience for those working in the wine industry. Some wine lovers told SWL about their unpleasant experiences.

Founded in 1905, this bodega lends its name to a wine business with 150 hectares of vineyards in the top quality area in the Montilla-Moriles appellation and with one of the finest collections of traditional wines in Andalucía.

Online retailers in Spain report an upsurge in wine purchases since the lockdown is in place. Tougher restrictions come into effect today but they will not affect their business.

The first coronavirus victim in the Spanish wine industry, Carlos Falcó brought New Word viticulture techniques to his country and boosted quality wines in Castilla-La Mancha.

The coronavirus outbreak has come at a bad time for the wine industry which was already suffering the effects of Brexit and the US tariffs. We have talked to analysts, producers, distributors and restaurant owners to have an overview of the situation.

Lalomba will soon be much more than a rosé from the foothills of Mount Yerga in Rioja Oriental. It will become a new single-vineyard brand with its own communication strategy and separate facilities where concrete will play a key role.

Four years after signing the Matador Manifesto, 16 producers who were part of that movement have formed the group Futuro Viñador. Their aim is to share information and knowledge with each other and preserve the country's vine heritage.

Violoncellist and winemaker, Julia Casado is a young, determined woman who has set up her own small project to make natural wines with Monastrell grown in Bullas, in southeast Spain.

Although 38.2% of Spaniards confess to never or almost never reading, we at Spanish Wine Lover are confident that our readers do not belong to that group and recommend a handful of interesting books about our favourite drink.

The future of wine growing lies in achieving healthier grapes. Expert Félix Cabello delves into the past, tackles possible solutions and lists which traditional Spanish varieties are naturally resistant to fungi.

Brothers Hernáiz have started 2020 with a revamp of their range of wines. At Finca La Emperatriz they have downsized from seven to four cuvées, with their two new premium wines adding the words ‘Gran Vino’ to their names.

Many chefs seem to lack interest in wine, but we wanted to talk to some of those who do show sensitivity to the liquid side and ask them to recommend us some of their favorite wines.

In the second part of our journey across this fascinating, rugged Galician wine region, we focus on the soils, the topography, the increasing number of grape varieties available to producers and the ageing ability of the area’s top wines.

Tastings like the one conducted by Felipe Gutiérrez de la Vega in Alicante last week do not occur every day. The life and interests of this great pioneer of the Southeast were presented in a remarkable collection of old vintages.

With wine critics raving about its stunning landscapes and a plethora of excellent wines on the market, Ribeira Sacra's future hinges on delving deeper into its native varieties and exploring its terroirs in depth.

The second part of our 2019 harvest report reveals many areas suffering draught, heatwaves and high concentration, but the most striking phenomenon was the heavy rains that flooded vineyards in the southeast.

A flagship wine in Ribera del Duero, it has remained on the limelight from the very moment its was first released. What is the key to its success: the vineyards, the people, the style or a combination of all of them?

Despite the heat wave at the end of July or the heavy rains and flooding in the southeast, Spanish producers are happy with the 2019 harvest —some even describe it as legendary.

Although it will take a while for some of them to reach the market, Rioja’s Regulatory Board offered a taste of the first eight Viñedos Singulares at a recent presentation of the new categories (sub-area, village and single vineyard wines) in Madrid.

The evolution of Sandra Bravo (Sierra de Toloño) has been remarkable since she settled in Rioja in 2012. With sensitivity and humility, she works to convey the energy of the vines she grows in Villabuena and Rivas de Tereso to her eight wines.

Although planted mostly in Catalonia’s Terra Alta, Garnacha Blanca is gradually increasing its presence in the country’s high-quality whites. A recently published dissertation reinforces this perception.

After having made a name for the winery founded by his father in the 1980s, Pepe Mendoza has brought all his expertise on Mediterranean wines to Casa Agrícola, his most personal, fascinating project.

With 800 hectares under vine and brands like Valdespino, Real Tesoro and La Guita, Estévez is one of the leading wine producers in the Sherry Triangle. We spent a day with technical director Eduardo Ojeda to learn more about this family group.

The natural wine movement has brought prominence to this sparkler. Spanish producers who favour this approach to winemaking have welcomed its somewhat wild, straight-forward style, fun labels and crown cap closures.

With temperature reaching 42ºC and desert winds, the grapes and leaves of many vineyards in parts of Tarragona and Girona have been burned to the ground. In Madrid, a devastating fire has worsened the fragile situation of mountain vines.

The influential winemaker has teamed up with new partners to build a new winery for his entry-level red Ultreia Saint Jacques and is exploring new terroirs in DO Bierzo while keeping a watchful eye on the work he does in Valtuille, his village.

Tourist developments and golf courses dominate the skyline of this town on the coast of Cádiz, but there is still a producer bent on working the region's vines, recovering traditional varieties and producing quality wines that express the terroir.

The DOQ Priorat, the most famous wine appellation in Catalonia, has introduced a new quality classification that divides the region in 12 villages, 459 sites and 2,100 vineyards.

Rioja was recently in the spotlight with the tasting of Bodegas Familiares and the launch of La Rioja Alta’s third Gran Reserva. Meanwhile, importer Cuvée 3000 invited Spanish sparkling producers to mark the 200th anniversary of Billecart-Salmon.

After building a strong reputation for their Garnachas from Valdejalón and Campo de Borja, Fernando Mora MW and his partners have embarked on a very ambitious project: to recover what they claim is a grand cru lost in the Sierra de Algairén.

Held in Madrid from the 1st to 3rd April, the I International Congress of Traditional Andalusian Wines was the scene of some fascinating tastings with discussions on the ups and downs of the category and musings about what the future will hold.

Although this producer from Cordovín is not a regular at wine tastings in Spain, it is behind a fine range of exciting wines, notably the local rosé called clarete and a bunch of highly original whites including the multi-vintage blend Añadas.

Sherry is no stranger to the current craze for old wines. We have asked the team behind Corral de la Morería, who manage the largest collection of old fortified wines in Spain, to share some helpful advise to enjoy old sherry bottles.

After almost 20 harvests in Soria, the easternmost part of Ribera del Duero, Bertrand Sourdais is the perfect host to take us through the landscapes of this isolated region with a striking wealth of old vineyards at high altitude.

For a long time, Vega Sicilia Único Reserva Especial was the flagship multi-vintage blend in Spain, but now other producers are following with ambitious, ultra-premium still wines.

In the second of a two-part series on the latest developments in Ribera del Duero, we focus on new projects launched by experienced winemakers, both from the area itself and from other wine producing regions in Spain.

Making honest wines that reflect the spectacular landscape and diversity of this island sculpted by the volcano is the goal of Vicente, Rayco, Carmelo, Chicho and the rest of grape growers who are part of this exciting new project in the Canary Islands.

The new departure in the DO Cava opens a period of uncertainty for Spanish sparkling wines and shows once again the discontent among high-quality producers with the existing framework of their Denominaciones de Origen.

In the first of a two-part series on the latest and most exciting developments in Ribera del Duero we look at wineries that have reinvented themselves, young, terroir-driven producers and new projects set up by experienced winemakers.

Salvador Batlle arrived from Penedès with the idea of setting out on his own. In this area on the border with France, he came across vineyards of this local but underrated variety that he struggles to preserve as a distinctive trademark of Empordà.

In previous years we asked SWL contributors, sommeliers and international experts to pick their favourite Spanish wines. In 2018, we have asked eight leading Spanish producers to recommend a wine for Christmas which has not been made by them.

Born into a traditional cosechero family, brothers Arturo and Kike de Miguel make original, honest wines from the 25 hectares of vines they own in Samaniego, Ábalos, San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Baños de Ebro, their village in Rioja Alavesa.

As the climate turns increasingly capricious, producers struggle to take the right deci-sions in every new vintage. After gathering the impressions of producers across the country, 2018 appears to have been an extremely challenging year.

With their global vision of the wine trade, Masters of Wine Pedro Ballesteros, Andreas Kubach and Fernando Mora went through the challenges and problems that Spanish wines need to overcome at the 13th International Wine Forum in Logroño.

Francisco Barona, 34, is a young, passionate producer who is contributing to enhance diversity in Ribera del Duero by focusing on very old vines, traditional grape growing methods and a relentless search for freshness.

Coinciding with International Sherry Week (8-14 October), SWL selects ten favourite unfortified wines made in the Sherry Triangle which deserve their space in the universe of dry white wines of the world.

Their Reserva ranks among Rioja’s most enjoyable reds and the range of limited-production wines is impressive. Twenty years after its launch, Valenciso has managed to find its own place in Rioja eschewing trends and tags.

From his Bodega Cigaleña in Santander, Andrés Conde Laya has been —and still is— a pioneer in discovering uncharted wine paths. Independent and with his own personal views, Conde Laya talks candidly with SWL about wine in Spain.

Despite the dominance of Tempranillo and Verdejo in the vineyards of Castilla y León, there is an exciting future for obscure grape varieties in the area, according to speakers at the recent Duero International Wine Fest held in Burgos.

This is a summary of the presentation that Fernando Mora MW and I delivered at the Duero International Wine Fest held in Burgos last Friday. Our goal was to include the Duero among the great wine rivers of the world.

The obsession with the vineyard and the recovery of the wisdom and know-how that brought greatness to sherry is his driving force. In just two vintages, winemaker Willy Pérez and his Barajuela wines have become an avant-garde model based on tradition.

Winemaker at Viña Mayor in Ribera del Duero and at two other wineries in the Bodegas Palacios group, she is the first Spanish woman to join the Institute of Masters of Wine. Alberca is one of the 10 new members announced today.

La Mancha, the largest wine region in the world, is all about quantity with bulk and commercial wines leading the way. Verum is a rare exception in the area, as it focuses on quality and terroir. We visited them to learn their experience first-hand.

Despite its size (1,200Ha under vine), Valdeorras has become a hot location to produce high-quality whites thanks to the many virtues of Godello, its local variety. But wine lovers should also pay attention to its reds.

Fate and Ramadan took architect Alejandro Muchada to David Léclapart’s estate in Champagne. Years later, they have joined forces to make white unfortified wines in Sanlúcar, in the heart of the Sherry Triangle.

The tasting that Ramiro Ibáñez and Willy Pérez presented on the past edition of Vinoble will be remembered for its emotion and the desire of these two young producers to share their vast knowledge about the vineyards and soils of Jerez.

After the success of Ossian, one of Spain’s flagship whites, Ismael Gozalo continues working with very old Verdejo vines in Nieva, his hometown in Segovia. Under the name Microbio Wines, he makes a wide range of natural, artisanal wines.

Although scientists deny a direct link between soil components and wine flavours, Chilean terroir consultant Pedro Parra helps producers like Comando G in Gredos and others across the world to bottle the essence that lies deep under the vines.

A prominent member of the Palacios saga of winemakers, Rafael is working hard to bring his vineyards in Galicia’s Bibei valley back to life after a devastating 2017 vintage as he prepares the launch of his first skin-contact wine.

Six leading cava producers have launched Corpinnat, a new quality association registered in the European Union that incidentally questions the role of wine appellations in Spain and pioneers an alternative framework to establish wine terroirs.

The first edition of Muestra 2018, a tasting hosted by wine distributor Cuvée 3000 in Madrid last week, gave us the chance to interview Joan Valencia, organizer of the event and one of the most enthusiastic champions of natural wine in Spain.

Tucked away in Jumilla (southeast Spain), Casa Castillo is a leading exponent of Mediterranean reds: well-adapted grape varieties dry farming, traditional winemaking and terroir-driven wines. Why aren’t others following?

Leaving aside any trace of romance or impressive images, old vines (which are an important asset in Spain) are the guardians of biodiversity and a valuable source of solutions to deal with the challenges that winegrowers face in the 21st century.

Miguel Ángel de Gregorio is in the news following the release of two new single-vineyard wines. But when SWL visited him recently, we talked about all the changes he is implementing in his vineyards.

This is the second piece on our Mallorca series including profiles of the most relevant producers in the island with a focus on key aspects of their philosophy, working methods and wine styles.

Wines from Mallorca are thriving. As the island’s buoyant local market drives sales, producers are recovering both their Mediterranean soul and indigenous grapes after an inescapable period marked by international varieties.

Farmers —or mayetos, as they are known— growing vines and making their own wines are unusual in the region. The Blanco brothers champion the work in the vineyard and the character that terroir brings to their wines above the aging in the cellar.

We don’t have a crystal ball, but these are our predictions about which Spanish wine styles will set the trend in 2018. Some have been around for quite a while and will consolidate this year; others will gain prominence over the coming months.

Miguel Martínez is a young man on a mission to recover local traditions in Sojueja, his home village on the slopes of the Moncalvillo mountains south of Logroño. He has started by rescuing from oblivion an almost extinct sweet wine called supurao.

We have pored over our Google Analytics data to discover which were the most read stories on our site in 2017. It’s rewarding to see such an interest in Tenerife or Cangas, a remote region in Asturias, beyond well-known wine growing areas.

2017 has been one of the shortest, earliest and more catastrophic vintages in recent times with plenty of frost, hail and drought. But what will the wines taste like? We have asked more than 20 producers across the country.

Valencian producer Finca Terrerazo showed the world how good the little loved local Bobal variety could be. Behind this achievement lies a painstaking process that the Sarrión family is applying to other vineyards.

Last week Bobal was the centre of attention in two conferences organized by DO Manchuela and DO Utiel-Requena. As a speaker in one of them, I had the opportunity to learn a great deal about this variety and taste an interesting range of Bobal-based wines

After building Cillar de Silos into a safe, reliable brand in Ribera del Duero, the Aragón brothers have launched Dominio del Pidio, making traditional style village wines in the old bodega quarter of Quintana del Pidio.

Being shortlisted was a great achievement, but last night we were truly delighted to pick up the prize to the Best Online Site on the second edition of the IWC Merchant Awards for Spain.

We are delighted to share the conclusions of the research paper conducted on this subject by new Spanish Master of Wine Fernando Mora –we thank the Institute of Masters of Wine for grating us permission to publish them.

A decade ago, it would have been unthinkable to see the oldest producer in Andalucía joining forces with a group of maverick winemakers. But after a satisfying partnership in Extremadura, Alvear and Envínate have renewed their entente in Montilla.

SWL subscribers and those willing to sign for our weekly newsletter can download our presentation of Ribera del Duero including a map of soils and basic facts about one of Spain’s top red wine regions.

Fifth generation of a winegrowing family based on this island of The Canaries, Victoria Torres fights to preserve the vineyards of this Biosphere Reserve and bring a fresh look to her wines, which reflect the special place where they are born.

Aragonese Fernando Mora and Andreas Kubach, born in Germany but raised in Spain, are two of the new members of the Institute of Masters of Wine announced today. They join Pedro Ballesteros, the sole Spaniard to hold such a prestigious title so far.

The DOCa Rioja moves forward in the recognition of origin with new geography-based categories that will appear on the labels of wines produced from 2017 onwards.

Almost in his 70s, Basilio Izquierdo is full of energy. After three decades in Cvne, he set up his own small wine business in 2007. Last month we attended a 10th anniversary party with other wine lovers and some of his famous classmates from Bordeaux

After a long wait, the first Cavas de Paraje Calificado (single-vineyard, grand cru cavas) have been revealed. But what is their real mission and what precedents will they set for the new premium classification?

Last week, the DO Bierzo approved new labelling regulations to include small geographic areas like village wines, paraje wines (the equivalent to French lieu-dits) and single vineyard wines.

Ester Nin and Carles Ortiz love each other and love growing vines on the steep slopes of Porrera, one of Priorat’s most rugged landscapes. Their lives revolve around the vineyards and wines all year round.

What follows is a summary of some of the ideas fermented last week at Must Wine Summit, a three-day conference featuring leading wine speakers who discussed topics such as wine tourism, natural wines, big data, grape varieties or the Chinese market.

Organic still wines and cavas that reflect terroir and vintage variations form the basis of this producer located just outside Barcelona. As well as natural wines, they are busy creating local varieties that are adapted to climate change.

What do past vintages taste like? A few weeks ago we had the chance to try Rioja vintages from the 1940s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s in Paternina's cellars, now owned by Muriel Group. This is our impression of such impeccably preserved bottles.

We’ve talked to leading producers and Regulatory Boards in the wine regions that were severely hit by frost in the northwest of Spain on the last week of April to assess the extent of the damage. Now it’s time to move forward, everyone agrees.

Judging from the impressive old vineyards that Jorge Monzón has managed to assemble in his hometown of La Aguilera (Burgos) in just over a decade, Dominio del Águila could soon become one of Ribera del Duero’s shining stars.

This Catalan region welcomed international grapes with open arms in the last quarter of the 20th century but it is now focusing on indigenous varieties. White Xarel.lo is leading the way, but Sumoll, Malvasía and Xarel.lo Vermell are vying for space.

Based in the subarea of Clariano, this producer has brought new hope and distinctiveness to the DO Valencia thanks to the recovery of Mandó, a local grape variety with a marked fresh profile, and an ancient underground cellar stocked with amphorae.

Spanish expert and educator Juancho Asenjo yesterday championed terroir as he led the first tasting of “village wines” held in Rioja under the auspices of the region’s Association of Family Wineries.

Three wide subareas and three aging categories (Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva) are not enough to explain a vast, complex wine area like Rioja. SWL charts its evolution and brings a guide to understand the region’s wines.

The old Verdejo vineyards found in Segovia are a new source of excitement for Marqués de Riscal’s project in Rueda. They form the backbone of the new top-of the-range Barón de Chirel white and add consistence to other Verdejos in the range.

For over 30 years Torres has been tracking Catalan vineyards in search of ancient grape varieties. We had the opportunity to taste some of their most promising discoveries a few days ago. Their names: Forcada, Pirene, Gonfaus, Moneu and Querol.

Mines and wine have a shared past in the world’s history. In Spain, there is a great example in Cangas, a region in Asturias which came close to losing its vineyards. Today it is gradually reviving thanks to its unique scenery and grape varieties.

There is a before and an after of the wines from Tenerife since the arrival of Suertes del Marqués. Their focus on native varieties grown on volcanic soils and devoid of unnecessary make-up have set the style of quality winemaking in the island.

Canary Wine stopped being the island’s most sought-after product a long time ago, but the wines of Tenerife and its neighboring islands resonate again among experts and consumers thanks to a bunch of producers set on letting the world know about their

After his New York adventure, Pepe Raventós, Penedès’ 'enfant terrible' since he left the DO Cava, has returned home to go back to his roots and “practice instead of seeking.” He talked to SWL about his plans and his vision of life now.

Despite being the epitome of powerful Riberas, everything seems to happen easily at Viña Sastre. Extraction is not so much the style; instead, they look for naturally concentrated grapes sourced form some of the best –and oldest– vineyards in the DO

Even if the official seal is not due to be issued until next year, we reveal some of the sparkling wines pursuing the new Cava de Paraje Calificado category, which aims to set the new benchmark of quality in Spain’s most famous bubbly.

Classic wine regions raise in our souls the beauty of landscapes and buildings, as much as the pleasures of wines and food. Pedro Ballesteros MW finds that magic balance in a former 16th century convent in Málaga, which now houses Descalzos Viejos.

Over the course of two mornings we joined Jaume Gramona on a walk around his vineyards to learn about his newly discovered passion for biodynamics and, in a far more educational atmosphere, during a sparkling wines workshop he recently led in Madrid.

This year’s drought marked a sharp contrast between the high yields in Rioja and areas of Castilla y León and the low production in the Mediterranean. Yet quality expectations are high in many parts with reds set to be fresh and moderate in alcohol.

Sparkling wine production in the Sherry Triangle started in the 19th century, but some producers like Alba Viticultores in Sanlúcar are recovering the tradition, with a little help from the winegrowers for whom they demand recognition.

Sherry casts a long shadow. Following the nascent renaissance of Spain’s iconic region for fortified wines, some producers in Rioja and other Spanish wine regions are paying a particular homage to Sherry’s distinctive flavours.

This Rioja producer, who embodies the concept of a Burgundian vigneron working his land to make honest wines, show us how he makes his Tempranillo Grano a Grano and his philosophy of life, which is based on terroir and respect for the environment.

Despite the very few bottles made by this architect and wine enthusiast, the story of Javier is a great example of the recovery of old vineyards in Spain. His are in Quel, his birthplace in Rioja Baja.

After our recent piece about this Catalan region, focused primarily on Garnacha, we have profiled some of its most interesting winegrowers. This is our particular vision on who’s who in Terra Alta.

Accounting for 33% of the total plantings of White Garnacha worldwide, Terra Alta has also started exploring the potential of its red wines. This unsung appellation in the far south of Catalonia is an interesting mix of landscape, architecture and wines.

Having trained as an economist, Alberto Nanclares never consciously planned to become a winegrower but he is now one of Rías Baixas most accomplished interpreters of the Albariño variety along with his business partner Silvia Prieto.

This young winemaker has managed to bring out the best of Bobal, a rustic and harsh variety, while recovering local grapes like Albilla and Moravia Agria in DO Manchuela. His work proves that there is hope beyond Castilla La Mancha’s dull wine image.

Despite its small size, Sierra de Salamanca boasts an enchanting scenery, interesting soils and a precious wine treasure: Rufete is a floral, delicate variety which fits in perfectly with the trend towards less-structured, Burgundy-style wines.

This family producer, which pioneered wines such the white Castillo de San Diego and the bottlings of manzanilla en rama, rescues old winemaking traditions and novel styles in an effort to renew itself while keeping the essence of Sanlúcar.

Zoning and land classification are contentious issues in Spain. Following the recent approval of a single-vineyard category for Cava, Rioja continues to discuss its future while other wine producing regions are going their own way.

With lights and shadows in the organisation, the International Exhibition of Noble Wines confirmed a new stage in the Sherry Triangle and renewed dynamism both from new producers and some of the leading wineries in the region.

It’s now 25 years since the recuperation of the Abadía Retuerta estate vineyards in Sardón de Duero (Castilla y León). The winery celebrated the anniversary with a tasting of the first 1996 vintage, which proved to be in pretty good shape.

The terroir movement in Spain seems unstoppable. The First Wine Growing Encounter held at Remelluri (Rioja Alavesa) brought together over 150 wine producers and trade professionals who attended presentations, tastings and an unforgettable al fresco lunch

A lighter shade of red is not necessarily better, but behind the new trend towards light-coloured rosés, some quality-conscious Spanish producers are trying to make serious wines in this style.

Carlos Esteva, the man behind Can Ràfols dels Caus, is a maverick producer. After almost 40 years of immersion in the Garraf terroir in Penedès, he culminates his work with a mammoth winery dug in the chalky rock that defines his wines.

Juan Ruiz Henestrosa is head sommelier at Aponiente, a two-Michelin starred restaurant on the cutting edge of Spanish gastronomy. Sensitive and passionate, Juan has managed to put Sherry at the same level as chef Ángel León’s celebrated dishes.

Álvaro Palacios and Ricardo Pérez have proved that Bierzo deserves a place of pride among Spain’s most prominent wine regions. We visited the winery and the vineyards to discover what’s behind their captivating wines.

We have compiled a selection of new, exciting wines for wine lovers willing to discover new styles during the spring or in their next trip to Spain.

This huge region in southwestern Spain is far from being identified with a wine style of its own. Could this lack of definition actually be a blessing?

Easy-going and always willing to learn, Xurxo Alba is since 2006 the visible face of Albamar, a small family venture in Galicia’s Salnés Valley where Albariño grapes are let to express their freshest and most vibrant side.

Smartphones will be the main tool for consumers buying wine in an increasingly competitive and crowded market. This was one of the main conclusions heard at wine and technology encounter ImaginextRioja, held in Logroño last week.

After several years keeping a low profile, the García family recently released a white Mauro. Now they are set to launch their first Ribera del Duero and a top-of-the-range red in Toro.

Bills, bleak weather and general dreariness can turn January into the most depressing month of the year; at SWL we’d rather start on a high enjoying some fruit-driven, affordable reds which express their origin and the varieties they are made from.

In order to fight against the narrow-mindedness of many appellations in Spain, roughly 150 wine professionals including producers, journalist and retailers have signed a Manifesto in defence of terroir.

If good wines are a reflection of the terroir where they come from, in the case of Quinta da Muradella they also evidence the personality of José Luis Mateo, an honest and humble winegrower who has single-handedly placed Monterrei on the wine world map.

At SWL we believe Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate with dessert wines. Spain’s sweet universe offers an astonishingly wide range of styles, concentration levels and even wine colours.

SWL explores the delicious rarity of an appellation which is almost entirely devoted to sweet wines; a captivating mix of landscape, history and complex winemaking traditions which are suitably apt to enjoy during the Christmas season.

A singular producer exclusively crafting long-aged, bone-dry vintage Cava, Recaredo is securing its future with new plantings that will give indigenous white grape Xarel.lo a major role in their wines.

The owner of the most famous wine tavern in the Sherry Triangle will lead the new Premium Production and Innovation Division in the Sanlúcar winery but without renouncing to hold his renowned summer tastings.

It seems obvious that denominations of origin are meant to protect a wine region. Paradoxically, some producers in Spain do not feel comfortable in their DOs while others demand more differentiation, authenticity and attention to their needs.

Thanks to an enviable price positioning, almost 100 hectares of vineyards in Pesquera de Duero and the recent acquisition of a stake in Montecastro, Hacienda Monasterio emerges as one of the most solid producers in Ribera del Duero.

Pepe Franco’s pictures portray both dramatic landscapes and everyday tasks in Gredos, managing to capture the essence of a unique landscape, its vineyards and people. Find out more about this rugged and beautiful Spanish wine region.

The most singular valley within the largely unknown Arlanza appellation in Burgos (Castilla y León) has attracted a handful of young, restless producers. SWL has visited the area to chart the region’s vineyards and wines.

Inquisitive, dynamic and always willing to learn from the past, Ramiro Ibáñez is, despite his youth, a highly respected winemaker among sherry enthusiasts. What’s so special about this maverick born in Sanlúcar in the 1979 vintage?

This is our report of the various fabulous tastings that allowed us to assess, side by side, a great deal of wines made by the seven wineries in Haro’s Barrio de la Estación. We found tradition, modernity and a few surprises too.

Last week, Rioja producer La Rioja Alta held a landmark tasting to celebrate its 125th anniversary. Wines ranged from the legendary 1964 to 2001, which is regarded as the best vintage in modern times.

A legendary producer based in Haro’s Barrio de la Estación, Cvne is living a sweet moment backed by awards and recognition. Nevertheless, CEO Víctor Urrutia is far from relaxed.

Very old sherries are very hard to find, hence the tasting led by Antonio Flores at Taberna Der Guerrita in Sanlúcar de Barrameda this summer with selections from the 1940s was exceptional.

The Spanish wine world has been rocked by the news of Xavier Ausàs departure from Vega Sicilia. SWL has talked to him about his time at this iconic winery and his plans for the future.

The founder was determined to overcome all kinds of difficulties to fulfill his dream of becoming a wine almacenista, so it is no surprise that this renowned sherry winery is managed by three women who excel at going against the tide.

SWL picks 31 wines to try this summer, one for each day of August. Stay tuned —a new flight of exciting wines will be added to this piece every week.

A bit showy, definitely pleasing, and probably the tastiest red grape on earth, Garnacha is going through an exciting renaissance in Spain. SWL cheers to its success with this practical style guide.

Albariño is much more than just a white grape from Spain. Despite expanding to other Galician regions beyond its Rías Baixas stronghold, Galicia’s white queen struggles for recognition for its ability to age.

Currently working many of the Carthusian’s historic vineyards, Cellers Scala Dei produces single-vineyard Garnacha wines from sites where monks were present 400 years ago.

During the three-day conference Espai Priorat held at the end of May we discovered a new trend towards fresher and more approachable styles in this steep, breathtaking region. Here is a selection of some favourites.

If it’s been a while since you last tasted a wine from Catalonia’s Priorat, you may be surprised by how much fresher and approachable the wines feel these days. With diversity on the rise, we embark on a journey to discover Priorat’s true character

The evolution of this wine in the past 25 years has been considerable thanks in no small part to producers like Itsasmendi, who are unashamedly trying to put txakoli on a level with other great white wines.

In a short period of time we have visited various tastings focused on biodynamic, natural and supposedly extreme wines. Here are our picks from what I call the “flip side” of the Spanish wine scene.

Verdejo is a tremendously popular, easy-to-drink white wine that can be found almost everywhere in Spain. But Rueda’s native grape is also capable of producing some outstanding, distinctive whites. We select five that break down stereotypes.

Which are the clues behind Pesquera’s unique reds? We visit Alejandro Fernández and talk to his friends and acquaintances to find out more about one of Ribera del Duero’s most uncompromising characters.

They are young and talented and they all fight to get their wines to mirror the terroir they come from. This is the second part in the series about some of the figures shaping the future in Rioja.

They are young, energetic and set on making wines in their own style. In this two-part piece, we talk to some of the new faces that are likely to shape the future of Rioja.

Meet these young winemakers on a mission: to highlight the quality and potential of old Garnacha vines from the central Spanish Gredos mountains. Their light yet deep and mineral reds are the antithesis of Tempranillo.

If there is a Spanish wine region capable of enveloping your palate, that is certainly Toro. Its powerful reds are shaped, in no small part, by the pre-phylloxera vineyards found in this area.

The second article of a two-part series about distinctive wines from Andalucía focuses on Montilla-Moriles PX, Spain’s most celebrated sweet wine made with dried grapes.

As this legendary Rioja winery marks its 125 anniversary, we delve into the history and winemaking behind its famous Gran Reservas.

The joint work of 25 research centres and over 70 grape experts unveils a huge –hitherto unknown- varietal diversity in Spain.

We start a two-part feature focused on two fascinating wines from Andalucía in southern Spain: briny Manzanilla from Sanlúcar and the lovely cloying PX from Montilla-Moriles.

An unusual and unique character, Emilio Rojo is behind one of the most sought after whites in Spain of which roughly 5,000 bottles are produced each year.

We have tasted some of the best selling wines in a well-known wine store in Madrid in search of great value wines to give your pockets an easier ride.

Do you fancy tasting something really different in 2015? We suggest five Spanish whites that escape all conventional routes either by their novelty, exotic grapes or style.

Vega Sicilia has been celebrating its 150th anniversary throughout 2014. We review the history of this legendary Spanish wine and ask owner Pablo Álvarez what has changed along the years.

The SWL team picks the wines (obviously Spanish) that have moved them most throughout the year. Many thanks to all contributors for sharing these highly personal choices.

We have asked some leading figures in the world of wine to recall their most enduring memories of Vega Sicilia on the year this legendary winery celebrates its 150th anniversary.

After tasting our way through a great deal of top Cavas and some interesting newcomers in the Spanish fizz market, we list our favourites to toast over the Christmas holidays.

With some producers leaving the appellation and others seeking their own path, the regulatory board has announced a high-quality category for Cava. Despite the turmoil, there has never been so much diversity and good quality bubblies in Spain.

Among its 3,200 casks, visitors can feel the efforts carried out by this winery to preserve tradition and the work of generations to maintain a style of wine, beyond fashion trends and business strategies.

His documentaries eschew glamour and actively seek what lies beneath wine, often in isolated rural environments. For Robinson, wine is an agricultural product, not an object of desire.

No matter whether it comes from Rioja, Ribera del Duero or Castilla-La Mancha… Tempranillo is what we Spaniards drink most often. Sounds boring? We hope these five reds bring some novelty to your palate.

Next Thursday, and subsequently every second Thursday in November, is International Tempranillo Day. Curiously enough, this celebration originated in the US but we thought it was a great opportunity to recall Tempranillo’s origins and styles of wines.

Located on the outskirts of Logroño, this legendary Rioja winery has been closed to the public since 2005, immersed in a comprehensive renovation of its historic buildings. The spectacular Ygay estate has finally reopened its doors to visitors.

With few exceptions, 2014 has failed to be a relaxed harvest in Spain. Some of the best producers in the country give us their verdict and recall their sometimes stressful experiences.

No doubt winemaker Ángel Anocíbar knows well the intricacies of Abadía Retuerta, in Ribera del Duero. That’s why we have asked him to show us around this beautiful winery.

There are many good reasons to try Spanish wines. Diversity is number one - I’d bet that every wine lover could be captivated by a style of wine, a grape variety or a region in Spain.

The CEO of Estates & Wines, the LVMH luxury group’s wines division, visited Madrid last week for the launch of a new vintage of Numanthia. We got the chance to talk to him about Spanish wine.

It is not easy to stand out in Ribera del Duero, neither to commit to quality in times of recession but after 10 years of hard work, Viñedos Alonso del Yerro have made a name for themselves among the most distinguished brands in the appellation.

Under the subject of Creativity and Market, the 2nd International Wine & Culinary Forum gathered leading wine and gastronomy professionals in an intense and inspiring day.

Which grape varieties are widely planted in Spain? Are there any fighting for survival? The last article in our grape patrimony series presents the figures

Grenache is widely planted across Spain, where it grows in the most diverse type of soils. In this piece, Amaya Cervera digs up the most distinctive, explains where these soils are found and the kind of wines they produce.

Next Friday Grenache wine lovers will be celebrating G-Day all over the word. Spanish wine lovers are very lucky to have fantastic Grenache-based reds offering outstanding value.

This article is linked to the first post in our Photoblog. Pepe Franco is the author of an extensive photographic report about Peter Sisseck, the Danish winemaker behind Pingus in Ribera del Duero and a leading figure in Spanish wine.

Historical errors abound when it comes to identifying grape varieties. Chilean Carmenère was thought to be Merlot and Albariño vines planted in Australia turned out to be Savagnin. Spain has also suffered some mix-ups with Albillo and Malvasía vines.

In a three-part series, our grape expert Félix Cabello writes about three key areas of a study carried out in Spain over the last years: number of grape varieties, some conflicting issues around them which have now been resolved and vineyard ranking.

A pioneer in Rueda, Belondrade has celebrated its 20th anniversary uncorking wines dating back to 2001, thus showing an endless obsession with making the best possible Verdejo whites.

I’ve tried to draw a mental map that divides Spain's main wine regions by style and type of wine. I hope it can be used as a practical guide to confront the shelves of your local wine store in a more relaxed way.