Vineyards for Sale in Spain

Vineyards in Spain

Spain has over 2.9 million acres of wine grapes planted across the country, making it one of the world’s largest producers of wine in the world. Spain has so many acres of wine grapes in part because the grapes varieties planted in Spain have low yields. This means that more vines need to be planted to get enough grapes to make wine. Over 400 grape varieties are planted throughout Spain, many of which are native to the region.

Spanish White Wine Grape Varieties

Spain is a top wine-producer in the world, but it’s primarily a red wine country. There are several notable white wine grape varieties planted throughout the country, though. Some of these grapes are used in their own varietals, some are blended, and some are used in the production of sherry, cava, or brandy.

• Verdejo Grapes are grown in the Rueda region and are increasingly popular commercially. Verdejo wines are very aromatic and are often full-bodied. The grapes must be harvested at night when the temperature is lower to prevent oxidation, which browns the grape juice.
• Albarino Grapes are grown in several regions across Spain, primarily in the northwest.  The grapes are almost exclusively used to make varietals, or wines made solely from Albarino grapes. Albarino wine is aromatic and crisp with high acidity and a silky texture.
• Godello Grapes are primarily grown in the Galicia region of Spain in the northwest. Godello wines are very aromatic and distinctive. The highest quality wines are made from grapes grown in the Valdeorras wine producing area.
• Palomino Grapes are widely grown in Spain, primarily in the south. Palomino grapes are primarily used to make sherry, a fortified wine.
• Airen Grapes are one of the most planted grapes in the world, though the name might not sound familiar. Airen grapes aren’t generally used to make their own varietals. Instead, these grapes are used in an alcohol base used in the production of brandy.

Spanish Red Wine Grape Varieties

Spain is famous for its delicious red wines that are complex yet drinkable and food-friendly. While many different kinds of red wine grapes are planted in Spain’s various microclimates, these are some of the most popular varieties.

• Tempranillo grapes are probably the highest quality red wine grapes grown in Spain. Tempranillo grapes are traditionally harvested early in the season. Tempranillo red wines are fruity when young, but they age remarkably well in oak barrels.
• Garnacha grapes (also known as Grenache) are native to Spain, though today they are heavily associated with the Rhone Valley in France. Garnacha grapes grow best in northeastern Spain. Garnacha wines are fruity, and the grapes are sometimes blended with Tempranillo grapes to produce a more complex wine.
• Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes are not native to Spain, but many Spanish vineyards have embraced the grapes since they grow well in many regions and are very successful commercially.
• Bobal grapes are primarily found in Valencia, the region of Spain that they are native too. Bobal grapes historically have not been recognized as being particularly high quality, and are largely used for producing bulk wines. However, Bobal grapes can produce delicious, quality drinking wines when planted at high altitudes.
• Monastrell grapes (known as Mourvedre in France) are widely grown in Valencia. They can be used to make their own varietal wines or can be blended with Garnacha and Syrah grapes. These grapes can produce wines with high alcohol contents and are sometimes used to make fortified wines.

Spanish Wine Regions

Wine grapes are grown across Spain, but different varieties are grown in different areas as the country’s climate varies dramatically from region to region. Because of this, each wine region is known for producing a particular kind of wine, or various wines with similar characteristics that are distinctive to the region.

• The Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions are known for growing very good quality Tempranillo grapes. The Valdepenas region is also known for producing Tempranillo, though its wine is sometimes less respected as it tends to sell for lower prices.
• Jerez de la Frontera is a wine region in Andalusia in southwestern Spain. The region specializes in producing fortified wine, particularly sherry. Palomino grapes are widely grown here.
• alicia, particularly Bias Baixas in the northwest, produces many of Spain’s white wines. Godello grapes are widely grown in Galicia.
• Catalonia in northeastern Spain is a major producer of the grapes used to make cava, a Spanish sparking wine. Macabeu, Parellada, and Xarello grapes are widely grown in the region and are used both in cava and in some still wines.