Spain

There's a reason why collectors who discover Spanish wines tend to deep dive into the specifics. Not because it's fashionable, but because the wines themselves keep giving you new things to think about. A Tempranillo from the high plains of Ribera del Duero doesn't taste anything like one from Rioja, even though they're made from the same grape. That kind of regional variation takes years to get your head around.

What is Spain's most famous wine?

Rioja is where most people start with Spanish wine, and it holds up. The classification system of Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva is genuinely useful rather than just decorative, giving you a real indication of how long a wine has aged and what to expect when you open it. Bodegas Roda and Dominio de Pingus are two producers worth seeking out if you haven't already.

What grape is Rioja made from?

Tempranillo does most of the work in Rioja, with Garnacha and Graciano often in support. It's a grape that responds well to oak and seems almost designed for long cellaring. Older bottles from good producers regularly outperform what you'd expect given the price.

What does Rioja wine taste like?

Younger styles are lean, red-fruited and bring forward a hint of vanilla from American oak. The more interesting question is what happens after ten or fifteen years. The fruit dries out a little, something earthy and savoury comes through, and the whole thing gets considerably more complex.

Cava is worth knowing about too. It's Spain's traditional sparkling wine, made primarily in Penedès from native grapes including Macabeu, Xarel-lo and Parellada, and at its best it offers real complexity at a fraction of the price of Champagne. A very different experience from Rioja, but just as considered.

The Reserve Cellar's hand-selected range covers the full character of Spanish wine, from aged Tempranillo to the finest cava the peninsula produces. Secure yours today.