Top Spanish designations of origin
Spanish wines have played a key part in Spanish history, and still do today, forming part of one of the country's major industries. Although they were ignored for a long time in favor of the more popular French and Italian wines, Spanish wines have a little special something about them that makes them so irresistible. In the latter years, Spanish wines and several Spanish designations of origin have seen a rise in their popularity as never before, and exportations never seem to stop increasing.
Despite all the difficulties Spanish wines have been through, like plagues, wars and economic problems, they've still managed to pull through to keep surprising everybody with each new vintage. With methods borrowed and adapted from all the different cultures that have lived in Spain from the very beginning, Spanish wines have kept growing and reached the top positions of the best wine lists in the world. The same can be said for some Spanish designations of origin.
If you ever want to travel to Spain, be sure to check out some Spanish wines so you know what to look for when you come. But if you can't wait to get to Spain and try the wine, you will also be able to find Spanish wines in almost every country in the world, and if you're lucky you can catch one of the Spanish wine showcases that are becoming popular all around the world too. So delve in, and find out more about the top Spanish designations of origins!
Top Spanish Designations of Origin
Spain has producing wine for many centuries, and it has generally been made to high standards. However actual, legal legislation was not common until the 20th century. Before then, there were many royal decrees and policies laid down by the ruling classes of Spain over the years. The real changes came about during the 1920s when Spain tried to emmulate France's appelation system by setting up there own classification process. The first region to be given DO status was La Rioja back in 1925, and Sherry from Jerez became part of the Estatuto de Vino of 1932.
These systems were eventually replaced with the DO system that we recognise today. However, a lot of the rules and laws surrounding Spanish wine production and sales are actually under the jurisdiction of the Europe Union, like the majority of other food products in the European region.
As a country with a very varied relief, the different Spanish designations of origin produce many wines. Although most of the Spanish wines are good in one way or another, there are some designations of origin that have more importance than others. It may be because of their age and tradition, or because of a specific vintage, or a particular winery that produces especially good wines. Most people refer to these designations of origin when they're unsure of what to buy because they're a sure success. These Spanish designations of origin are:
- DO Jerez
- DO Jumilla
- DO Malaga
- DO Penedes
- DOCa Priorat
- DO Rias Baixas
- DO Ribera del Duero
- DOCa Rioja
- DO Tacoronte Acentejo
You can click on any of the links above to find out more about these famous Spanish wine regions as well as the wine that is produced there.
It may be because of their age of because their wines have gained a lot of fame, but keep in mind that there are loads of wineries and several Spanish designations of origin that are not very popular but have amazing quality wines. Be sure not to look down to a Spanish wine just because it's not from one of the popular Spanish designations of origin, because the lesser known designations of origin also have some wines that can take your breath away! Taking some courses on Spanish wines can help you decide which ones you like more as well as which wines will go well with which foods. What better souvenir from Spain than some true, cultural knowledge!
See more on Spanish wines and the various wine regions at the World Wine Guide Online.
Spanish Wine History
Spanish Wine Regions and DO
Spanish Wine Tours
Top Spanish designations of origin
Best Spanish Wines
Spanish Wine Production
Spanish Wine Types
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Spanish Sparkling Wine: Cava
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Spanish Wines in the World
Spanish Wine Prizes
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