Spanish Wine: The Basics

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The dictionary defines acceleration as “an increase in the magnitude of the velocity…” a word that can certainly be used to describe the Spanish wine industry. As with much of the Old World in the grape belt (as opposed to the grain belt known for beer and distilled spirits) Spain has a long and eclectic wine making history. Much of Spain’s wine history mirrors Italy’s. Both countries are comprised of strong and long independent states with the modern nation experiencing unification recently. Until recent decades much of Spain’s wines were produced by co-operatives and many of the great historic zones had become all but unproductive. Spain is no doubt in the midst of a major wine renaissance that is attracting new consumers and inspiring debate among long time Spanish wine producers and supporters. As in Italy, much of the debate falls along the lines of style pitting traditionalist against the modern, more internationally styled producers. At the moment, the modernist are winning the day while the long view envisions a compromise in style that incorporates the firm and rustic styles of traditional wines with the clean, fruity, and technically sound wines of the modernists. Regardless of preference, Spain’s future is a bright one.