Spanish Wine: Types, Classifications, and Year

With that being said you're probably thinking now, "Well, now that I'm in Spain and know I can drink some great wine, how and what do I order?!" This section will help to give you more information about how to decide and differentiate between types, classifications, and years. You can also choose to further your knowledge by delving into the depths of wine information and read about the different grapes used in the creation of various wines. Then you may find it enjoyable to take a trip and visit some of the bodegas (wineries) of Spain!

"We hear of the conversion of water into wine at the marriage in Cana as of a miracle. But this conversion is, through the goodness of God, made every day before our eyes. Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, and which incorporates itself with the grapes, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy."

Benjamin Franklin

Types
There are four main types of Spanish wines and a large variety of wines within each category. Whites or "blancos," reds or "tintos," sparkling wines (champagne) or "cavas" and sherry or "jerez".

Before reading about these different types you may find this bit of information interesting. When reading about certain types of wine and their characteristics you might be think what on earth is this supposed to mean? How would a wine taste like "old leather" (for example) and why would I find this enjoyable?? Since we do not use the senses of smell and taste nearly as much as we do sight, sound, and even touch we tend to lack unique words to describe what kinds of feelings smells and tastes create for us. Instead we (and especially the wine experts who have to give the different tastes labels) tend to liken what they taste to words and feelings, which are not edible as a kind of subtle way to refer to particular parts or characteristics, which might make up the whole sense of taste of the wine. Or rather, when an expert says something about old leather they may be referring more to the feeling of the texture of leather or even the overall feeling one receives when imagining old leather. Something smooth but strong, full of flavor from its age, more mature, more rich, etc. Keeping this in mind may help you to both better understand the descriptions and develop your own sense of taste towards wine.

Now click here to go on to read about the different types of wine.

Or to return to any section click on the links below:

• Introduction
• Classification Levels
• Grapes
• Year
• Food and Restaurants