DRINKS: Our straightforward guide to ordering wine in Spain
Posted By: Málaga Food Guide Team - Málaga Province
Ordering wine in Spain is pretty straightforward if you know how!
Tinto ~ Red Wine
Instead of the standard Rioja, why not try Ribera del Duera wines from central Spain. They are better value and just as good.
Tinto de Verano ~ Red Wine Spritzer
Served across the country, the cold summer drink is one part red wine, one part sparkling soda or water and in some places rum is added.
Crianza ~ An Aged Wine
A red that has been aged a minimum of two years with at least six months in a barrel. (White Crianza wines must be aged for at least one year.)
Rosado ~ Rose
Most Spanish rosados are made from Garnacha grapes or sometimes Tempranillo. Rosados can be quite dark in colour and are usually dry and tangy.
Cava ~ Sparkling Wine
Cava is Spain’s most popular sparkling wine Freixenet and Codorniu are its two main producers.
Blanco ~ White Wine
A good tip when ordering white wine is to order whatever is produced locally.
Rioja ~ Spain´s most famous Wine
This wine region produces medium-bodied reds that feature Tempranillo grapes. There are also Rioja whites, but the region is mostly famous for it´s red wine.
Reserva and Gran Reserva
Reserva red wine has spent a minimum of one year in oak and two years in a bottle, while Gran Reserva has spent two years in oak and three years in a bottle. Gran Reserva is more expensive as it has been aged for longer.
"..Below is a quick guide to help you enjoy your wine and order precisely what you want..."
Tinto ~ Red Wine
Instead of the standard Rioja, why not try Ribera del Duera wines from central Spain. They are better value and just as good.
Tinto de Verano ~ Red Wine Spritzer
Served across the country, the cold summer drink is one part red wine, one part sparkling soda or water and in some places rum is added.
Crianza ~ An Aged Wine
A red that has been aged a minimum of two years with at least six months in a barrel. (White Crianza wines must be aged for at least one year.)
Rosado ~ Rose
Most Spanish rosados are made from Garnacha grapes or sometimes Tempranillo. Rosados can be quite dark in colour and are usually dry and tangy.
Cava ~ Sparkling Wine
Cava is Spain’s most popular sparkling wine Freixenet and Codorniu are its two main producers.
Blanco ~ White Wine
A good tip when ordering white wine is to order whatever is produced locally.
Rioja ~ Spain´s most famous Wine
This wine region produces medium-bodied reds that feature Tempranillo grapes. There are also Rioja whites, but the region is mostly famous for it´s red wine.
Reserva and Gran Reserva
Reserva red wine has spent a minimum of one year in oak and two years in a bottle, while Gran Reserva has spent two years in oak and three years in a bottle. Gran Reserva is more expensive as it has been aged for longer.
