Wine Region - Spain, Andalucia

History

Archaeological evidence suggests that grapes were being cultivated in Spain as early as 4000 BC, and evidence of a vast trading network for Spanish wine is clear in hundreds of sites from the Roman Empire.  Spanish conquistadors and missionaries were likely responsible for the introduction of some European vines to the Americas during the colonial period as well.  Sherry, Malaga, and Rioja gained in popularity in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, but the Spanish wine industry saw a fall off in production and popular interest until the development of Cava.  This sparkling Spanish wine became popular in the later nineteenth century, reigniting interest in Spanish wines.  Cava, Rioja, and Sherry remain extremely popular today.

Classifications

Andalucia is planted with more than 40,000 hectares of vines that are all classified as Denominación de Origen, which specifies these Spanish wines as high quality, widely sold Spanish wines.

Geography

The geography of Andalucia is among the most varied in all of Spain and, perhaps, in all of Europe.  This region spans more than 87,000 kilometers and the climates range from wetlands and sub-Alpine regions to evergreen forests, badlands, and olive groves.  The weather is comprised of three distinct zones: coastal areas with hot summers and mild winters, inland lowlands with severe summers and mild winters, and inland highlands with warm summers and cool winters.

Regions

Andalucia is composed of four smaller regions.  Jerez is well known as the main producer of sherry.  Malaga and Sierras de Malaga are famous for their production of sweet dessert Spanish wines, and in more recent years have been producing a number of unique red Spanish wines.  Montilla Moriles was originally known for fortified and sweet dessert Spanish wines, but is now expanding their range to more varied and complex Spanish wines.  Condado de Huelva is home to a range of dry and sweet white Spanish wines. 

Varietals

Popular varietals for Spanish wine grapes include Palomino, Pedro Ximenez, Layren, Baladi, Moscatel, Torrontes, and Tempranillo.