Spain (Rioja and Ribera del Duero)

Spain has Europe's largest planted vineyard area. Tempranillo is the country's flagship grape, the base of Rioja and Ribera del Duero. In Rioja, labels indicate ageing level: Crianza is aged at least 2 years (1 in oak), Reserva 3 years (1 in oak), Gran Reserva 5 years (2 in oak). Rioja often blends Tempranillo with Garnacha and Mazuelo. Ribera del Duero on the Castilian plateau produces darker, more concentrated wines. Albariño in Rías Baixas (Galicia) is Spain's best-known white variety — fresh with peach and citrus. Sherry from Jerez and Cava from Catalonia complete the picture.