School me on Spanish wines.

[Eustace]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

Cava.

This.

As mentioned previously, Ribera Del Duero is the giant of Spain. I also like Muga rose during the summer, and at $12 it represents a great value.

 

[gumercindo]

Basics:

Main varietal: Garnacha / Tempranillo
Main regions: Rioja, Ribera del Duero, etc.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of Garnachas. If you are and would take a recommendation, Atteca is a great one. 100% garnacha. Muga is a good choice as well. Can't go wrong with either.

 

[ErnestoG.]

I just got back from a 9 month study abroad year in spain. 1 huge thing i miss is being able to walk into a random grocery store and find like 40 wines for 5 euros or less.

 

[horton]

Priorot (nuf said)

 

[PandArts]

Originally Posted by horton

Priorot (nuf said)

+1
and this one's only $16.99

Montsant is another fav

 

[Parker]

I've had a lot of funky barnyard riojas. Is this a dominant flavor characteristic?

 

[Johnny_5]

I never thought Parker would be asking such a amateur question.

 

[PandArts]

Originally Posted by Johnny_5

I never thought Parker would be asking such a amateur question.

 

[Parker]

I'm a small-timer noob, man. I'm just barely hanging on here.

 

[Johnny_5]

Robert Parker

 

[Parker]

I give your post an 88.

 

[Concordia]

Pesquera from Duero is a reliable and delightful source of Tempranillo reds. Up and down their range.

I've only tried one bottle from Vega Sicilia and not their main label. Even that was phenomenal, however.

 

[culverwood]

Spain has many good wine regions and sherry is unique and arguably the finest Spanish wine. Reds are most reliable from the Rioja and Ribera del Duero and whites from the Rias Baixas. Two other areas which are great scenically and with interesting wines are the Bierzo region and the Ribera Sacra both in the cooler north west, neither has any big producers like the more famous regions. Navarra wines are also very good value for money with a climate and soil similar to Rioja (it is next door) but without the name. If you want a really authoritative answer ask the question on http://www.wine-pages.com/cgi-bin2/ultimatebb.cgi