A Summer of Spanish Wine

Spanish wine is a vast and varied landscape, with different regions and climates producing a wide range of styles and flavors. When it comes to white wines, there’s a lot to explore, from the crisp, citrusy Albariño of Galicia to the rich, full-bodied Rioja Garnacha Blanca. In this article, we’ll be focusing on three top holiday destinations for Dutch travelers, each with its own unique characteristics and wine offerings.

Destination 1: Rueda

Rueda is a region in the northwest of Spain, known for its high plains and unique terroir. The region’s high altitude and wide temperature fluctuations during the day and night allow the grapes to retain acidity, resulting in crisp, citrusy whites. Verdejo is the main grape variety in Rueda, and it’s a grape that’s gaining popularity around the world.

Verdejo is a white grape variety that’s known for its refreshing, delicious, and affordable wines.
The Rueda region is located on the high plains south of the River Duero, with vineyards rising to between 700 and 870 metres above sea level.
Verdejo grapes ripen late, which delays the accumulation of sugar from the Spanish sunshine, resulting in wines with high acidity.

The Emina Verdejo, Rueda 2023, is a great example of a Rueda wine that’s available in the Netherlands. This wine is made from 100% Verdejo and offers a crisp, citrusy taste with notes of green apple and citrus peel. The wine is also aged on its lees, which adds complexity to the flavor profile.

Destination 2: Rioja

Rioja is a region in northern Spain, known for its rich, full-bodied red wines. However, the region also produces a range of white wines, including Rioja Blanco. The Rioja region is home to nine permitted white grape varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles.

Rioja Blanco is a style of white wine that’s often aged in oak, resulting in a rich, full-bodied wine.
Some white Riojas are young and unoaked, while others are modern and terroir-driven, with oak playing a background role.
The best way to get to know Rioja Blanco is to taste a range of wines and explore the different styles.

The Domeco de Jarauta “La Pinturera”, Rioja Garnacha Blanca 2021, is a great example of a Rioja Blanco wine that’s available in the Netherlands. This wine is made from 100% Garnacha Blanca and offers a complex flavor profile with notes of beeswax, citrus peel, and ripe pear. The wine is aged in oak, which adds a creamy texture and smooths out the flavors.

Destination 3: Valencia

Valencia is a region in eastern Spain, known for its sunshine and Mediterranean climate. The region is home to a range of white wines, including the Las Blancas, which is a blend of several white grape varieties. The Las Blancas is a great example of a Valencia wine that’s available in the Netherlands, and it’s a wine that’s worth trying.

The Las Blancas is a blend of several white grape varieties, including Malvasia, Macabeo, and Viura.
The vines are around 35 years old, planted at an altitude of around 900 metres above sea level.
The wine is fresh and mineral, with a mellow and full-bodied taste.

The Bruno Murciano Las Blancas, Valencia 2023, is a great example of a Valencia wine that’s worth trying. This wine is made from a blend of several white grape varieties and offers a complex flavor profile with notes of ocean-sprayed rocks, crushes hazelnuts, and seafood paella. The wine is available in the Netherlands for under €20, making it a great value for the price.

Wine	Region	Price
Emina Verdejo, Rueda 2023	Rueda	€8.50
Domeco de Jarauta “La Pinturera”, Rioja Garnacha Blanca 2021	Rioja	€14.95
Bruno Murciano Las Blancas, Valencia 2023	Valencia	€17.99

Conclusion

Spanish wine is a vast and varied landscape, with different regions and climates producing a wide range of styles and flavors. When it comes to white wines, there’s a lot to explore, from the crisp, citrusy Albariño of Galicia to the rich, full-bodied Rioja Garnacha Blanca. In this article, we’ve highlighted three top holiday destinations for Dutch travelers, each with its own unique characteristics and wine offerings. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a special occasion wine, there’s something for everyone in Spain.