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Grape variety is one of the most significant factors in the production of quality wines. Other variables, such as pruning methods, fertilisers, irrigation or phytosanitary treatments may be modified, but grape variety is crucial as it transfers its characteristics, whether virtues or defects, to the wine being made. Behind every wine there is always one or more grape varieties lending their aroma, body and colour to the wine's character.
Spain is fortunate to have a broad range of high-quality native grape varieties that produce noble wines. Thanks to modern winemaking techniques that respect the fruit's inherent qualities, many of the great traditional Spanish varieties, such as Albariño, Moscatel, Listán or Pedro Ximénez, to name just a few, have recovered their prestige. Over the years other great international varieties, such as distinguished and widely-travelled Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon or the extensively cultivated Chardonnay, have joined these native varieties.
The blend of Spanish grapes with foreign varieties has given rise to the long list shown on the grape variety search engine. This list includes all the varieties with production areas of 6,000 hectares or more and those which, although less extensive, are outstanding for their quality or a particular relevance to the wines made where they are grown.
For further information on grape varieties, see the corresponding search engine.
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