Wines of the Spanish-Speaking World
The Spanish-speaking world is home to some of the most exciting wine regions on earth. From the storied bodegas of Spain to the high-altitude vineyards of Argentina and the coastal valleys of Chile, these regions produce wines of extraordinary character and value. Here is a guide to help you explore.
Argentina is the fifth-largest wine-producing country in the world, and Mendoza — sitting at the base of the Andes — is its heart. The high-altitude vineyards produce world-class Malbec, the country's signature grape, along with excellent Torrontés, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Bonarda.
Spain has more land under vine than any other country and a winemaking tradition stretching back thousands of years. Rioja is perhaps the most famous region, known for its elegant Tempranillo-based reds aged in oak. Ribera del Duero, Priorat, and the sparkling Cava of Catalonia offer extraordinary diversity.
Blessed with an ideal climate — the Andes to the east, the Pacific to the west, and the Atacama Desert to the north — Chile produces vibrant, fruit-forward wines. Carménère, once thought extinct, has become Chile's signature grape, producing rich, herbaceous reds unlike anything else in the world.
Uruguay may be small, but its wines punch well above their weight. The country's signature grape, Tannat — originally from southwest France — produces bold, full-bodied reds that pair beautifully with Uruguay's famous grilled meats. The coastal Maldonado region is gaining international attention.