A deeply coloured grape high in both acidity and tannin. Cropped heavily it turns flat, but low-yielding old vines give strikingly concentrated reds. It is Cariñena in Spain, Mazuelo in Rioja and Samsó in Catalonia.
Thought to originate in Aragón in north-eastern Spain. In the 20th century it drove bulk production in the Languedoc and became a byword for poor wine. Since the 1990s, dense reds from decades-old vines in Priorat and elsewhere have restored its reputation.
Old vines make it a different wine entirely. From the steep terraces of Priorat, firm acidity and tannin carry concentrated fruit through a long finish. Open it with substantial meat already on the table.
Spain's most prestigious wine region. Red wines primarily from Tempranillo feature vanilla and spice aromas from extended barrel aging. The aging classifications of Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva were established here. It represents Spanish wine where tradition and innovation coexist.
Along with Rioja, one of only two regions in Spain with DOCa status (the highest classification). From the steep slopes of distinctive licorella (slate) soils come concentrated, powerful red wines. Focusing on Garnacha and Cariñena with low yields for high quality, this region symbolizes Spain's wine renaissance.