Who’s ready for an intriguing Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero? How about a snappy Albarino from Rias Baixas? Perhaps you’d love a glass of Sherry from Jerez de la Frontera. These are terrific choices because quality wines from Spain are exceptional in regards to affordability, flavor, and their ability to complement a variety of foods. But those of you who didn’t take Spanish in high school or college (like me) may be a bit embarrassed when it’s time to ask for the specific wine you’d like to taste. I’ve been there! With some wine education and practice, it’s possible to sashay into that wine shop or tapas bar and ask for the wine you want with confidence. Following are a few tips to remember and a guide to the pronunciation of a few Spanish wine terms you’ll notice most often. And don’t forget to roll your r-s!
White Wines (and Styles)
Albarino – Al-bah-REEN-yo
Cava – KAH-vah
Verdejo – Vair-DAY-ho
Malvasía – Mal-vah-SEE-yah
Godello – Go-DAY-yo
Palomino – Pal-oh-MEE-no
Macabeo – Mack-ah-BAY-oh
Pedro Ximenez – PE-droh He-MEN-iz
Xarello – Sa-RAY-yo
Parellada – Pah-ray-YADA
Airen – EYE-ren
Blanco – BLAHN-koh (used to refer to white wine)
Albarino grapes
Red Wines (and Styles)
Tempranillo – Temp-rah-NEE-yo
Garnacha – Gar-NAH-cha
Cariñeña – Carry-NYAY-nah
Mencia – MEN-see-yah
Monastrell – MAH-nah-strell
Tinto – TEEN-toh (used to refer to red wine)
Rosado – Ro-SAH-do (used to refer to rose wines)
Tempranillo Grapes
Spanish Wine Regions
Rioja – Ree-OH-ha
Ribera del Duero – Ri-BERRO del-do-WAIRO
Priorat – PREE-oh-rot
Jerez de la Frontera – Heh-REX de-la Fron-TERRA
Catalunya – Cat-ah-LOON-ya
Rias Baixas – REE-us BYE-shus
Bierzo – Bee-AIR-zoh
Navarre – Nah-VAR
Penedes – PEH-ned-ess
Photo Credit: DO Cava
Cheers! ~ Cindy
Continue your exploration of wine and enroll in my online wine education course, Discover the Essentials of Wine (and choose it like a pro!) available on Teachable.
Click HERE for information. Gracias!
