They are enchanting, rich and full bodied: Terry Pomerantz invites us to explore Spanish red wines.
Why Choose a Spanish Red Wine?
Spain produces red wines as powerful as Italian red wines and French Bordeaux. Viticulture is deeply rooted in Spanish culture: historians estimate that vines were introduced around 1000 BC. In addition to a three-millennium tradition, Spanish winemakers benefit from a highly varied climate. For example, in Castile, summers are dry and hot, while winters are very cold, whereas in Galicia the climate is humid and lush. These variations create numerous microclimates that give rise to wines with complex and varied flavours.
The Main Spanish Grape Varieties
- Tempranillo yields wines with aromas of red fruits and vanilla and is the main grape variety in the Rioja region.
- Monastrell (Mourvèdre) is well adapted to the hot, dry conditions in southern Spain, producing wines with strong ageing potential.
- Garnacha tinta (Grenache noir) produces generous wines with hints of pepper, spices and red fruits.
Other Spanish red grape varieties include Cariñena (from Aragón), Mencia (from the Duero Valley), Graciano (northern Spain), Sousón (Galicia) and several others.
Major Producing Regions
The best Spanish red wines mostly come from the following regions:
- Rioja: Located north of Ribera del Duero, the Rioja region produces rather tannic wines, resulting from a blend of Tempranillo with indigenous varieties like Garnacha.
- Ribera del Duero: In Castile, Ribera del Duero produces powerful red wines made from Tempranillo.
- Priorat: Situated in Catalonia, Priorat is renowned for its high-quality red wines made from old vines of Grenache and Carignan.
- Castile-La Mancha: Known for its mass-market wines, this region hosts the largest vineyard area in Spain.
- Navarre: Located in northern Spain, Navarre is famous for its blends of Grenache and Tempranillo.
5 Notable Spanish Red Wines
- 2021 Protos 27: Crafted from Tempranillo vines over 50 years old and aged in French barrels, this full-bodied red offers hints of licorice, coconut and dark fruits.
- Casar de Burbia Mencia Bierzo: An organic, natural red made from Mencia grapes grown on the mountain slopes of Bierzo. Slowly matured, it is characterized by undertones of dark fruit and game, with an herbal finish.
- 2020 Torres Salmos: Harvested and oak-aged in French barrels along the Mediterranean coast, this blend of 40% Carignan, 40% Garnacha and 20% Syrah is rich in supple tannins.
- 2021 Uva de Vida Biografico Castilla: A natural, biodynamic red blend of 70% Graciano and 30% Tempranillo from the Castilian plateau, offering delicate notes of blueberry, blackberry and violet.
- 2018 Suertes Del Marqués Candio Valle de la Orotava: A Listan Negro from vines grown on the volcanic basalt soils of the Canary Islands, this wine boasts excellent ageing potential with a peppery aroma and hints of black cherry.
Food and Wine Pairings
Spanish gastronomy is renowned for its bold flavours. The wide array of Spanish grape varieties ensures that you can find a red wine that pairs with grilled red meat, poultry dishes, as well as seafood.
With a paella: A Tempranillo such as Crianza Ribera del Duero or El Coto Rioja Crianza works beautifully with meat-based paellas (rabbit, chorizo, pork). A light Garnacha like 2021 Breca Garnacha or a young Mencia such as Adegas Guimaro Mencia Joven is ideal for a vegetable or seafood paella.
With tapas: When serving a variety of tapas (charcuterie, seafood, tortillas), a Tempranillo such as 2021 Protos 27 or a Crianza like 2019 Cantaburros Crianza Ribera del Duero will shine.
With grilled meat: 2020 Torres Salmos pairs well with a tomahawk steak on the barbecue, as well as grilled game and lamb.
With fish: For fattier fish (tuna, mackerel, sardine) or those prepared with a spicy sauce, a Mencia such as Casar de Burbia Mencia Bierzo—with its light body, vibrant acidity and fine tannins—will excel.
Additionally, the Listan Negro from the Canaries, for example the 2018 Suertes Del Marqués Candio Valle de la Orotava, is especially suited to fish dishes with spiced undertones.
The Pomerantz Foundation’s 18th Annual Golf Tournament
Terry Pomerantz, along with the administrators and volunteers of the Pomerantz Foundation, invites you to participate in the 18th Annual Golf Tournament of the foundation. This year, the tournament will take place on August 14, 2025, at the Summerlea & Country Club golf course in Vaudreuil. All proceeds will be donated in full to organizations that support children with special needs and their families.
An avid wine lover, Terry Pomerantz shares his love of fine bottles, guided by a responsible approach to the art of living. Discover his advice on food and wine pairing, his favorite bottles, and the ideal choices for each season and occasion. Immerse yourself in his passion and learn to fully appreciate each bottle in good company.