Club Vinissimus Selection February 2021

The other Spain

As with most things in life, when we talk about wines there are always some well-known names that come to mind first of all. Certain regions usually appear first on our mental check-list, either for their history or for the quality of their wines — or for both reasons. However, wine enthusiasts must remember that there are many other prestigious regions in Spain making quality wines beyond the famous names we all love. In a nutshell, as most of us know, Spain is a rich and varied country when it comes to wine.

Different combinations of climate, soil, grapes and wine-makers can lead to an almost infinite range of different styles of wine. When we try wines from regions we do not know so well, with climates, soils or grapes distinct from the ones we are used to, the result is often a magical surprise. Cádiz, Cigales or the Sierra de Salamanca appellation all have a long tradition of winemaking but their recent history as producers of serene excellent-quality wines is still a relatively unknown story. Cádiz is a popular reference region for its fortified wines, but it is also home to hidden gems of white and red wines. For many, the area of Cigales is still a synonym for rosé wines, even though nowadays it produces some of the best value-for-money red wines in Spain. Finally, Sierra de Salamanca, where the Rufete grape variety is king, is currently creating wines with a strong, marked personality, quite different from wines made anywhere else in the country. As we suggest, you will not regret it if you decide to try wines from the other Spain!