The name Spain has long been associated with world-class wines, particularly its world-famous reds. A wide variety of wines reflecting Spain’s rich terroirs, varying climates, and skilled winemaking traditions will be available in the country’s thriving wine sector in 2024. This book showcases the top Spanish red wines of 2024, including both well-established and up-and-coming producers, making it ideal for both wine experts and wine lovers.
Rioja Reds: An Iconic Tradition
Because of its long history and high quality, Rioja is still the most famous red wine from Spain. There are four distinct varieties of aged wines produced in this area: Joven, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva.
In 2024, the Viña Ardanza Reserva 2016 stood out as a perfect example of the finesse that Rioja is known for. It had a remarkable harmony between acidity and tannins, along with notes of dried cherry, leather, and vanilla.
Vintage 2015 Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva: The tobacco, blackberry, and earthy spice notes in this wine are the result of long periods of maturation in oak and the bottle.
Rioja reds are well-suited to grilled meats, hearty stews, and roasted veggies because to their extended aging potential.
- The Structured and Bold Ribera del Duero
When it comes to red wine production in Spain, Ribera del Duero is still a serious contender with Rioja. This area, which grows the Tempranillo grape mostly, is known for its robust, full-bodied wines and its location along the Duero River.
Key Points of 2024:
Sicilian Valley Universo 2010: Unico, one of the most esteemed wines in Spain, has a complex aroma and flavor profile that combines ripe black fruit, herbs, and spices.
Bold and fruity, Pago de Carraovejas 2020 has notes of chocolate, vanilla, and dark berries; it’s well-structured with supple tannins and a lengthy, silky aftertaste.
Red meats, especially lamb and beef, pair wonderfully with wines from the Ribera del Duero region.
- Priorat: A Flavorful Treasure Revealed
Some of Spain’s most powerful and complex wines come from the Catalonian region of Priorat. The red wines of this area are known for their intensity and complexity, qualities enhanced by the mountainous landscape and the distinctive licorella soils.
Key Points of 2024:
In 2020, at Clos Mogador: A robust and multi-layered wine with hints of minerality, black cherry, and plum; it has a velvety mouthfeel and a lengthy aftertaste.
L’Ermita, Alvaro Palacios 2021: One of the most lauded Priorat wines, this beloved classic offers a sumptuous blend of red and black fruits, spices, and floral notes.
Game meats, dishes with truffles, and robust stews are the perfect complements to Priorat wines.
- The Toro: A Political and Personal Power Zone
The northwest Spanish region of Toro is well-known for its powerful, alcohol-heavy red wines made from the Tinta de Toro grape, a regional variation of Tempranillo. Rich, tannic, and characterful, these wines have a lot of room to develop with time.
Notable wines of 2024 include Numanthia 2019, a smashing hit with powerful tannins and a protracted finish that complements the wine’s powerful aromas and flavors of black fruit, smoke, and spices.
In 2018, Teso La Monja: With its supple tannins, fragrant spices, juicy fruit, and elegant balance, this wine is a more refined Toro.
Grilled meats, charcuterie, and robust cheeses pair wonderfully with these wines.
- Spain’s Bold Expression: Monastrell from Jumilla
The Jumilla region in southeastern Spain is home to the star grape Monastrell, which is also called Mourvèdre. The hot, arid climate of Jumilla produces rich, full-bodied wines with powerful fruit aromas and characteristic earthiness.
Key Points of 2024:
El 18 de Mayo de 2020, Juan Gil: A rich, full-bodied wine with hints of black fruit, licorice, smoke, and wood. The tannins are nicely balanced.
Pie Franco at Casa Castillo in 2019: A remarkable Monastrell that highlights the grape’s inherent purity; it has a well-balanced profile of dark berry, violet, and spice notes, with a touch of firm tannins.
Grilled meats, lamb, and spicy foods go nicely with Monastrell wines.
- The Multipurpose Garnacha Grape from Spain
One of the most popular grape varieties in Spain, Garnacha (Grenache) can provide both robust reds and lighter, fruitier wines. The Garnacha grape is most commonly associated with the Navarra and Aragón wine regions.
Key Points of 2024:
Alto Moncayo Bodegas 2020: Soft tannins frame a rich wine with a plethora of black cherry, spice, and vanilla aromas and tastes.
Lôm Garnacha Clos 2021: A more lively and youthful take on Garnacha, this red is perfect for summer thanks to its aromas of red fruit, herbs, and flowers.
Grilled veggies, mild meats, and spicy foods are just a few of the many foods that complement Garnacha wines.
The Mencia of Galicia and Other Emerging Regions
Mencia grapes are thriving in Galicia’s cooler, greener climate, and its exquisite, lighter-bodied red wines are renowned for their superb acidity and minerality.
Key Points of 2024:
Excellent Mencia from Raul Perez Ultreia 2021; hints of red berries, florals, and herbs lead to a light and pleasant aftertaste.
Earthy tones, black cherry, spice, and lively acidity characterize the 2020 Algueira Carravel Mencia, which is more structured than previous vintages.
Vegetarian, grilled fish and fowl are the ideal complements to Mencia wines.
- Wine Pairing: How to Get the Most Out of Your Red Wine from Spain
If you want to bring out the best in both the wine and the food, try some red wine from Spain. If you want to know how to pair things well, here’s a basic guide:
In summary
With a wide range of styles and vintages to suit any taste or event, Spain’s red wines in 2024 are sure to impress. Spain has an absolutely world-class wine sector, with powerful, age-worthy reds from Ribera del Duero and Rioja and fresh, delicate expressions from rising regions like Galicia. There is no better moment than now to discover the exceptional red wines of Spain, whether you are an experienced wine enthusiast or just starting out.
