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Wine Guide to Spain
Spain is a country of eternal siesta. And the Spaniards themselves are sure that a good rest without a glass of excellent wine is a waste of time. Our guide to the wines of Spain will help you tune in to a wave of good mood and choose a drink to your liking.
The perfection of the taste of Rioja
The most fertile grape lands, according to world experts, are concentrated in the Rioja region. It is rightfully considered the birthplace of unsurpassed varieties of Spanish wines, mainly red. The pearl of the collection is tempranillo grape drinks. They are characterized by an expressive taste with bright berry accents and a long aftertaste. They are usually paired with grilled meat and game, as well as hard cheeses. White wines are given life by the Viura grape variety. Drinks based on it have a juicy multi-faceted bouquet, often with citrus or spicy notes, and a soft aftertaste. Fish, seafood, pasta and Japanese cuisine are perfectly combined with them. Rioja’s rose wines are also good. They have a delicate, refined texture, and the bouquet is dominated by fruit and berry shades. They are best served with meat, fish, poultry, paella and pasta.
Next to Rioja is the equally outstanding wine region of Navarre. Local rose wines are particularly popular. The exquisite bouquet is full of fruit and berry notes, in some drinks — in combination with fragile spicy shades. This wine is in harmony with meat, fish, paella and tapas. The red wines of Navarre are becoming more and more crowded with pink varieties every year. No wonder, because they have a velvety, perfectly balanced taste with a long silky aftertaste. There is no better supplement for meat dishes. Although some gourmets skillfully combine it with white fish and soft cheeses. Sweet white wines are also worthy of attention. They fascinate with the play of fruit and honey shades, caressing with a long, delicate aftertaste. This wine is served in Spain with fruit or chocolate desserts.
The delicious sweetness of Andalusia
Andalusia is famous for its wonderful sweet wines. It is here that the famous Malaga dessert wine is born. Thanks to the addition of boiled wort, it gets a unique amber hue. Its taste is enveloped by intoxicating chocolate, coffee and caramel notes. Malaga perfectly complements the creamy desserts. It is rumored that this wine was adored by Catherine II. The sunniest wine in Spain, according to the Spaniards — is sherry. Its bouquet fascinates with a variety of flavors. There are sweet fruit accents, and hazelnut, and creamy variations, and mineral notes, and a slight bitterness. Sherry is a good choice for both an aperitif and a digestif. The dry wines of Andalusia are also unique. They are characterized by a rich bouquet and a long warming aftertaste with a subtle sweetness. It is recommended for red meat and mature cheeses.
The brilliance and warmth of Catalonia
Catalonia is one of the oldest wine regions in the country. Local winemakers claim that it is here that the best sparkling wines of Spain are produced, in particular cava. Gourmets appreciate it for its noble aroma, harmonious bouquet and soft aftertaste. This wine is combined with almost any dishes of Mediterranean cuisine. Those who prefer fruit wines should look into the province of Pendes. Local red varieties will pleasantly surprise you with their velvety taste and refined sourness. They are most fully revealed in combination with fresh fruits and salads made from them. Admire the balanced taste and red wines of the Priory. They are endowed with a deep tart taste with hints of wild berries, smoky notes and light spicy inclusions. But most of all they are appreciated for their delicious silky aftertaste. This wine is in harmony with vegetable salads, appetizers of potatoes and legumes, spaghetti and stewed meat.
Under the spell of Castile
Castile is also famous for its rich wine heritage. Its main asset is the unique grape variety “Verdejo”, cultivated for centuries. It is used to make fine dry white wines. They are distinguished by a deep bouquet with noble herbaceous notes and an incredibly persistent aftertaste. They are best combined with fish and seafood, white meat and soft cheeses. Red wines are not inferior to white wines. By the way, “Vega Sicilia” – a delicious wine of Spain, highly appreciated all over the world-is produced in Castile, in the Ribera del Duero region. Its seductive berry and citrus notes subtly transform into a mesmerizing aftertaste. This drink is a perfect match for meat, fish, soups, pasta and grilled vegetables. Especially worth noting are the table wines from the grape variety “Mencia”. They conquer with a powerful bouquet, smooth texture and a special sourness. In combination with meat snacks, game and cheeses, they have no equal at all.
Now you know what kind of wine to bring from Spain as a gift to your family and friends, if you are suddenly lucky enough to visit this amazing country. In this case, do not rush to choose, because it will give you incomparable pleasure.