Spanish Classsification
Spain is the third largest producer of wine in the world, the largest two being France and Italy. The best known Spanish wine is probably Sherry, which is produced in Jerez, and although it is strictly speaking a fortified wine, it is world famous. The country�s three most important red wine regions are Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Penedes, although other regions are becoming more and more popular.
In Rioja, the law permits the use of four red grape varieties. Tempranillo is the primary grape used, followed by Garnacha (also known as Grenache), Graciano and Mazuelo. The latter two are excellent but difficult to grow varieties. Rioja red wines are classified into four categories.
| Simply labeled "Rioja" (sometimes with the word 'Joven', meaning Young) - is the youngest, spending less than a year in an oak aging barrel. Labelled on the back of the bottle like so:- |  |
| A "Crianza" is wine aged for at least two years, at least one of which was in oak. Labelled on the back of the bottle like so:- |  |
| "Rioja Reserva" is aged for at least three years, of which at least one year is in oak. Labelled on the back of the bottle like so:- |  |
| "Rioja Gran Reserva" wines have been aged at least two years in oak and three years in bottle. Labelled on the back of the bottle like so:- |  |
Reserva and Gran Reserva wines are not necessarily produced each year. Also produced are wines in a semi-crianza style, those that have had a couple of months oak influence but not enough to be called a full crianza. According to the official classification, recent excellent vintages were 1982, 1994, 1995, 2001 and 2004..
Ribera del Duero lacks the long history of Rioja and was recognized as an official wine region in 1982. Penedes produces both red and white wines. The largest Spanish wine brand name, Torres, is a major producer there.
Until about 25 years ago, Spanish red wines were generally of mediocre quality. Many were aged too long in wood, overpowering their freshness and fruit character. However, quality has risen to the point that they compete successfully in the international market. Very high quality Spanish wines have recently become �trendy� in some circles.
Denominaci�n de origen
Denominaci�n de origen is an appellation primarily for wines, but is also used other foodstuffs. It is closely modelled on the Italian DOC system for quality.
As of 2006, 65 wine regions have DO status.
The wine appellation uses two levels of labels similar to the Italian system:
* DO � Denominaci�n de Origen
* DOCa � Denominaci�n de Origen Calificada
The DOCa label was introduced on 3 April, 1991. Rioja is the only appellation to hold DOCa status at present.
The 65 recognized wine producing regions in Spain grow a wide diversity of grapes, mostly of native origin. The great variety of wines with unfamiliar names causes confusion among many consumers.
Spain's major wine producing areas are:
* Almansa
* Calatayud
* Cari�ena
* Jerez
* Jumilla
* La Mancha
* Ribera del Duero
* Rioja
* Toro
* Utiel-Requena
* Valencia