Wine is grown in many regions throughout Spain. For now we will just discuss some of the primary growing regions and the grape varietals they are known for.
Jumilla – Located in Southeast Spain. Primary grapes are Monastrell, Garnacha Tinta, and Cencibel (Tempranillo) for reds and Airén, Macabeo, Malvasia and Pedro Ximénez for white.
Penedes – region produces elegant light wines, mainly white but the reds are gaining popularity. It is one of the oldest wine producing regions in the whole of Europe. It is best known for its Cava (Spanish sparkling wine). Red grapes grown in the region are: Garnacha, Tempranillo (known here as Ull de Llebre), Monastrell, Cariñena and Cabernet. The whites are Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parellada, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewϋrztraminer, Moscatel de Alejandría.
Priorat – One of the top regions in Spain. Producing great red wines full of ripe fruit and great structure. Red grapes grown there are: Cariñena, Garnacha, Garnacha Peluda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. The whites are chenin blanc, Macabeo, Garnacha blanca, Viognier and Pedro Ximénez.
Rias Baixas – The region is located in the province of Galicia in the northwest. It is mainly a white wine area known for the production of the Albarino. Albarino is becoming more popular and makes a wine that is fragrant and dry with high acidity. Other white grapes grown in the area are: Treixadura, Caiño Blanco, Torrontés and Godello.
Ribera del Duero – This region is becoming one of the more popular regions of Spain. It is the home of Vega Sicilia- Spain’s most famous wine. The region concentrates almost entirely on the making of red wines using the Tempranillo (called “Tinta del País” in this region) grape. The only white grape grown is the Albillo and is predominately consumed locally. Other red grapes grown in smaller quantities include Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot. These are usually used as blending grapes added to Tinta del País.
Rioja— Rioja is the most famous red wine region on Spain. It’s Located in the province of La Rioja. Subareas include: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Baja. Tempranillo is the primary grape used in Rioja. Other red grapes are sometimes blended in with the Tempranillo such as: Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. The prominent white wine here is the Viura, also known as Macabeo. Other white grapes used to blend with Viura are: Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca.
Rueda – Rueda is mainly a white wine producing area using the Verdejo grape. Other white grapes grown are: Viura, Sauvignon Blanc and Palomino Fino. A small percentage of red grapes are grown as well, they are: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Garnacha.
Navarra – Located next to Rioja. The region is historically famous for its rosados, but has become known for wines made from international varieties. Tempranillo has become the preferred variety for red wine production. Garnacha is close behind and Cabernet and Merlot are grown as well. Only about 5percent of production is white wine. White grapes grown in the area are: Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía, Moscatel and Viura.
La Mancha -- The biggest wine region in Spain, however, the output is quite low for such a large area. It is situated almost in the center of Spain. In the past this region produced large quantities of cheap table wine but lately has cut back production and began increasing quality. Airén is the predominant white grape of the region and Tempranillo (known here as Cencibel) is the primary red grape.
The source of this content was from winesfromspain.com. A great source for additional information on the Spanish wine industry. http://www.winesfromspain.com