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Spanish red wine is just the ticket if you’re after bold flavours, fantastic character and excellent value. With a winemaking history dating back thousands of years, Spain knows a thing or two about making delicious wines.
Whether you’re searching for a new addition to your wine rack or a straightforward red to enjoy with dinner, read on to discover some standout Spanish red wines worth exploring.
Spanish wine regions to know
Spain has 138 official wine regions, and odds on you’re familiar with at least a few including:
Rioja
Nestled in the north of Spain, close to the French border, lies one of the most respected wine regions of the Iberian Peninsula – Rioja. Tempranillo reigns supreme here, although it is often blended with Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano – all of which thrive in the region’s moderate maritime climate.
The region is one of only two in Spain to hold the prestigious Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) status, a testament to consistently high-quality wines. Rioja wines are split into four classification levels – Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. Each classification refers to the wine’s total ageing period, including time spent maturing in oak barrels and the bottle. Wineries in Rioja traditionally use American oak, imparting their wines with a distinct sweetness with characteristic notes of vanilla and coconut.
Ribera del Duero
Located west of Rioja in Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero is home to magnificent, dry red wines made from Tempranillo grapes, known locally as Tinto Fino.
Winemakers often blend Tinto Fino with French grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec to add depth and complexity, but these wines are distinctly Spanish in character.
One of the key distinctions between Ribera del Duero and Rioja is the use of primarily French oak rather than American oak for ageing. However, the tiered ageing system remains consistent with that of Rioja.
Priorat
Priorat is your destination if you’re a fan of Garnacha. A relatively small wine region nestled in the heart of Catalonia, Priorat is Spain’s second DOC region and home to around 100 wineries. Winemakers there make deep and rich reds, primarily from its historic Garnacha and Cariñena vineyards.
Priorat wines are instantly recognisable for their fresh, vibrant character, velvet-smooth texture and capacity to improve with age. The region’s secondary grape, Cariñena, is often blended with Garnacha to produce deeply coloured and intense wines. Though Priorat wines may carry a higher price tag than other regions, they are worth splurging on when the occasion calls for something special.
Toro
Toro is the region to explore for those who prefer big, bold red wines. As in Rioja and Ribera del Duero, Tempranillo is the head honcho in the vineyards here, albeit under the local name ‘Tinta de Toro’. The region’s hot summers see the grapes fully ripen, resulting in richer wines with a higher alcohol content and intense flavours.
Spanish red wines to enjoy
Ready for a Spanish wine adventure? Here are some of the leading Spanish red wine grapes to explore.
Tempranillo
Recognised as Spain’s flagship grape, Tempranillo flourishes in regions such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Toro. It is the grape behind some of Spain’s best-loved red wines, with the finest examples ageing gracefully over decades. Tempranillo is recognised for its generous flavours of ripe red cherry, strawberry and red plum, with older styles developing striking aromas of leather, tobacco and cedar.
Tempranillo’s versatility with food is remarkable which makes it one of the best Spanish red wines to enjoy with food – it pairs beautifully with local tapas, jamon and chorizo. It also makes a delicious accompaniment with grilled or smoked beef or lamb, roasted aubergine, tomato-based pasta sauces and robust, spiced dishes such as veggie chilis and tagines.
Explore our range of Tempranillo wines.
Garnacha
Also known as Grenache in France, Garnacha is widely believed by wine experts to have Spanish roots. In its homeland it makes for well-rounded and fruit-forward wines with dominant notes of strawberry, raspberry and hints of baking spice. Garnachas from Priorat stand out for their remarkable quality, displaying a fascinating liquorice hint and unique mineral character derived from the region’s llicorella soils.
Pair a light-bodied Garnacha with grilled oily fish such as trout or salmon. Full-bodied styles work well with grilled steak or chicken smothered in a sweet barbecue glaze. Spanish cheeses such as Manchego and Petit Basque served with a glass of Garnacha also make a delicious and light evening treat.
Explore our range of Grenache wines.
Garnacha blends
Spain is famous for its exquisite Garnacha-based blends. The grape is often blended with other red grapes such as Cariñena, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, adding soft fruit flavours and tannins that improve age-worthiness.
Cariñena
Internationally recognised as ‘Carignan’ and referred to as ‘Mazuelo’ in Rioja, Cariñena derives its name from its town of origin in Aragon. Characterised by its pronounced acidity and robust tannins, Cariñena is a favoured grape for blending, often paired with Garnacha by many winemakers to add colour, acidity and structure. Although it’s uncommon to find Cariñena as a standalone varietal, a handful of intriguing examples are produced across Spain. When you pour a glass, anticipate an abundance of red berries, spice and distinctive gamey notes.
Mencía
Meet Mencïa, a fragrant native grape variety found in northwest Spain, specifically the vineyards of Bierzo, Valdeorras and Ribeira Sacra. Often linked with historic vine plantings, some Mencía vines can trace their roots back over a century. Mencía is famous for producing medium-bodied red wines with lively acidity and fruit flavours, including pomegranate, currant and tangy cherry. Refined floral undertones, a hint of black liquorice, pepper and a stony mineral hint complement these fruity notes.
With its juicy red fruit, warming liquorice and pepper hints, a glass of Mencía is a delicious partner to a platter of cured meats, savoury meat pies, empanadas and smoky barbecued food.
Monastrell
Known as Mourvèdre or Mataro in other parts of the world, Monastrell is a familiar face to lovers of rich GSM blends from France and Australia. In Spain, this grape is often allowed to take centre stage, creating impressively bold, tannic wines packed with plum, blackberry, game, black pepper and spice flavours. Believed to be a native grape, it is found mainly in regions such as Jumilla, Yecla, Valencia and Alicante, although it also appears in other appellations across the country.
A young bottle of Monastrell is a delicious pairing with cured meats and game, especially in dishes featuring dark berry compote or sauces. An older wine pairs well with roast pork, barbecued red meats and smoked cheeses such as Gouda and Manchego.
Bobal
Originating from Utiel-Requena in eastern Spain, Bobal holds the title of Spain’s second most cultivated red grape, beaten to first place by Tempranillo. Known for its fruity character and gentle tannins, Bobal is an excellent choice for a summer wine, offering a delightful mix of luxurious dark fruits, fig and cocoa powder flavours. Not only easy-drinking and budget-friendly, top-rated Bobal wines also possess the potential for ageing – perfect for saving for future summers.
A perfect companion for chorizo and chicken paella, Bobal also shines when served alongside rich, meaty dishes featuring duck and beef – its vibrant acidity adds a refreshing edge.
About the author
Brogan Wilson
Qualified to WSET Level 2 Wine, Brogan is a relatively new member of the team, having joined in September 2023. She previously worked as the sole copywriter at a creative marketing agency, and before that, as a primary school teacher. At Laithwaites HQ, you’ll find her growing her knowledge, asking lots of questions, and crafting both digital and print copy. An ardent red wine drinker, Brogan is also fond of Crémant.
