An Introduction to the Best Spanish White Wine

Reds are the first that comes to mind when someone mentions the wine of Spain. At the same time however, there are many examples of Spanish white wine that are considered excellent.

The list of the famous Spanish wines traditionally would start with Rueda and proceeds with White Riojas, Cava, Sherry, Txakoli, Albarino, and many others. Below we have a brief overview of each of those ‘flagship’ Spanish white wines, along with an explanation of what makes them special and unique.

Best White Wines from Spain

Rueda

The number one White Wine in Spain is Rueda. This grape is grown in vineyards that are located in the Castilla region, in the towns of Avila, Segovia, and Valladolid. Rueda is made through the fermentation of a grape called Verdejo that is usually mixed with Sauvignon Blanc to create a more delicate blend. Furthermore, the wine makes use of local clay for the clarification process which gives it a unique taste known only to true Spanish Rueda. Due to that, the wine has achieved significant commercial success, both in Spain and worldwide.

White Riojas

This wine comes from the region of Rioja and is made only from white grapes, with Viura being the most important one. Due to the name of the region, it is also known as Rioja Blanco. The fact that it can age for over ten years makes it exceptional and rare at the same time – with a Spanish white Rioja often being cited as an example of a fantastic white wine for aging, and a prime example of Spanish white wine.

It is also noteworthy that it makes up for around ten percent of the entire wine production in that region. Rioja Blanco can range from full-bodied to light.

Cava

Cava comes from Catalonia and is often compared to French Champagne. Any Spaniard will tell you that this sparkly wine has the same quality as champagne, while is sold at a much lower price. Wine experts in the world praise Cava’s quality and its specific refreshing taste, and while it may not be as well known as Champagne, it is certainly one to try.

Sherry

The fact that sherry can be made only in one place (Andalucia, where it has been produced for centuries) makes it a rare commodity. The position of the terrain, the humidity, the soil, the seasonal changes, and the way it is produced all make for the wine with singular character. Most of the white sherry produced there is dry and is destined to be paired with food.

Txakoli

This dry and sparkling wine comes from three Spanish provinces: Burgos, Cantabria, and Basque. Usually is served as an aperitif and is aged no longer than one year. Traditionally the Txakoli White Wine was aged in old and huge oak barrels. However, nowadays it is mainly fermented in stainless steel barrels which gives a lighter and less full-bodied taste than many other types of Spanish white wine.

Albarino

Albarino is grown in Galicia, an area in the far northwest of Spain. The wine is high in acidity and quite light.

In tasting, there are notable aromas of nectarine, limes, lemons, honeysuckle, beeswax, and pear. It is mainly served as an aperitif/cocktail and goes perfectly with dishes featuring white meat or aromatic herbs. Some popular foods that go well with this wine are tofu, chicken, trout, sea bass, scallops and even shrimps.

Why are White Wines less famous than red?

Every Spanish White Wine on the list above is noted for its quality by wine experts and wine lovers from every corner of the world. The reason why they don’t share the same popularity with their red counterparts is more of a PR campaign than anything else.

Red is a color that is also associated with the well-known Spanish temperament and passion. That alone gives red the edge over the white. That’s the only reason why people associate Spanish wines more with red than with white – taste is not really a factor!