Spanish white wine

Spain is home to some of Europe’s hidden wine gems. While the country is better known for its red wines, Spanish white wines shouldn’t be overlooked. These are typically light, bright and crisp. However, there are a few exceptions, such as the rich, nutty Sherry from Andalusia and the lively, frothy Cava from Penedés. Spain is a good place to explore if you’re looking for a refreshing white wine full of character.

Some of the most popular grape varieties used to create Spanish white wine include the following:

Albariño: This small, thick-skinned green grape variety is grown primarily in Rías Baixas, Galicia. It produces aromatic, crisp white wines with high acidity. Expect flavours of peach, apricot and citrus, plus a mineral hint. Known for their freshness, Albariño wines pair perfectly with seafood.

Airén: This native variety is found mainly in Castilla-La Mancha. Often used for distillation and blending, Airén produces light, neutral white wines with subtle floral and apple notes.

Godello: This golden-hued grape variety is grown in Valdeorras and Bierzo in Galicia. Godello is known for producing full-bodied wines with pear, apple and citrus flavours. These wines often have a creamy texture and mineral undertones.

Macabeo: Widely grown in Rioja and Catalonia, Macabeo (Viura in some regions) is famous for its versatility. It is used in Cava and still wines, offering floral and citrus notes with a crisp finish.

Pedro Ximénez: This variety, grown in Montilla-Moriles and Jerez, produces small, thin-skinned grapes. It’s famous for creating sweet dessert wines with rich, raisin-like flavours and is often used to add sweetness to Sherry.

Verdejo: Predominantly grown in Rueda, thick-skinned Verdejo grapes produce aromatic wines with lime, pear and herb flavours. They’re known for their crisp acidity and slight bitterness.

White wine is made across Spain, and each region has its unique style. Some of the most famous regions include the following:

Rías Baixas: Located in Galicia, northwestern Spain, this region’s cool, Atlantic climate is ideal for growing Albariño grapes. It is famous for producing crisp and aromatic Spanish white wines.

Rueda: Situated in the heart of Castilla y León, just west of Ribera del Duero, Rueda is known for its fresh white wines. The region’s continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, is perfect for growing premium Verdejo grapes.

Penedès: This region is home to Cava, Spain’s iconic floral sparkling wine made from a blend of Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada grapes.

Valdeorras: Found in Galicia, east of Rías Baixas, the Valdeorras region is known for full-bodied white Godello wines with mineral undertones and fruity flavours.

Jerez: Located in Andalusia, southern Spain, Jerez has a hot, Mediterranean climate. This region is internationally celebrated for Sherry, a fortified wine made primarily from Palomino and Pedro Ximénez grapes.

Albariño: Made in Rías Baixas in Galicia, Albariño wine offers vibrant peach, apricot and citrus flavoured, lifted by a crisp, refreshing acidity. This wine is typically light-bodied with a mineral texture, perfect for pairing with seafood.

Cava: A sparkling wine blend of Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada grapes from Penedés, Catalonia. This lively Spanish wine showcases floral and refreshing citrus aromas. Cava has a light-to-medium body, frothy texture and refreshing acidity, making it popular for celebrations.

Verdejo: Known for their aromatic qualities, Verdejo wines feature flavours of lime, pear and herbs. The wine has a medium body with a bright acidity and a slight bitterness, adding complexity and freshness when paired with roast poultry.

Godello: Godello wines are full-bodied and fresh, with bright pear, apple and citrus flavours. Known for their creamy texture and mineral undertones, these wines have a balanced, refreshing acidity.

Sherry: This fortified wine from Spain’s Jerez region is made from Palomino and Pedro Ximénez grapes. This rich wine comes in many styles: bone-dry Fino to rich, sweet Pedro Ximénez. Known for its unique solera ageing process, Sherry delivers complex flavours and aromas, making it a versatile choice for sipping or pairing with food.

White wine and food go hand in hand in Spanish culture. Pair Spanish white wine with fresh seafood, vegetables or a tapas feast. A glass of crisp Albariño pairs very well with classic tapas like prawns and octopus, while Sherry from Jerez complements the saltiness of Iberian ham. If you’re cooking a paella packed with fresh seafood, try it with a glass of Verdejo, with its complementary herbal notes.

Godello’s full-bodied texture and mineral undertones make it an excellent match for cutting through the richness of creamy risottos and roasted chicken. If you’re hosting a celebration or want to take your midweek meal to the next level, lively Cava can balance the salty, umami flavours in sushi and patatas bravas.