When people think of European wine, France and Italy usually steal the spotlight. But just to the west, Spain and Portugal are producing some of the most exciting and best-value wines in the world — both red and white.
In Spain, winemaking has ancient roots, dating back over 3,000 years to Phoenician traders.
Today, Spain is one of the world’s largest wine producers, known especially for its reds. The most famous is Tempranillo, grown in regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero, where it yields bold, age-worthy wines with flavors of cherry, tobacco, and spice. In Priorat, dramatic hillsides give rise to powerful reds from Garnacha and Cariñena.
Spanish whites are just as noteworthy. Albariño, from the Rías Baixas region in Galicia, is a standout. Grown along the cool Atlantic coast, it’s crisp, zesty, and aromatic — think lime, peach, and a hint of sea spray. It’s a perfect match for seafood and summer weather.
Across the border, Portugal boasts a winemaking tradition just as rich. The Douro Valley, carved by the Douro River, was officially demarcated in 1756, making it the oldest wine region in the world.
Though best known for Port, the region also produces excellent dry reds from native grapes like Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, with deep, concentrated fruit and earthy complexity.
On the white side, Portugal’s Vinho Verde region offers light, low-alcohol wines with a slight fizz and plenty of citrus. Made from grapes like Loureiro and Arinto, they’re clean, refreshing, and easy to love.
Spain and Portugal are seeing a wave of innovation alongside tradition — young winemakers exploring native grapes, forgotten vineyards, and sustainable methods.
If you haven’t explored the Iberian Peninsula lately, you’re missing out.
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