Tempranillo
Tempranillo is Spain’s go-to red grape, best known for making Rioja wine. It’s medium-bodied, not too heavy or too light, and usually pretty smooth. Flavour-wise, you get a mix of red fruit (think cherry and plum), a bit of tomato, and sometimes a touch of tobacco if it’s been aged in oak.
Acidity sits in the middle—not too sharp and not flabby—so it’s easy to drink with food. Goes great with anything from roast meats to pizza. You’ll spot Tempranillo in Spanish reds, but it also pops up in Portugal (where it’s called Tinta Roriz).
Graciano
Graciano is a Spanish grape that brings a fresh kick to red blends, especially in Rioja. It’s known for solid acidity, dark berry flavours, and a bit of spice. Expect wines that taste tart and lively rather than heavy or jammy.
This grape makes medium to full-bodied reds that feel crisp and energetic. On its own, Graciano is rare but worth trying if you like red wines with bite and some grip.
Mostly, you’ll find Graciano blended with Tempranillo to give extra backbone and ageing potential. It’s a good choice if you want a punchy red that’s not flat or flabby.
La Rioja Alta
La Rioja Alta is a big name in Rioja, Spain, and they've been at it since the late 1800s. They mostly make classic reds—think Tempranillo-led blends—aged for ages in old-school oak barrels. If you want Rioja that tastes like Rioja should, this is your stop. Their wines are textbook Spanish: smooth, balanced, and built to last. Nothing flashy, just the stuff that’s always reliable and never boring.
Rioja
Rioja is Spain’s most famous wine region, sitting in the north with a mix of warm days and cool nights. That climate helps grapes ripen but keeps the wines fresh. Tempranillo is the main grape, usually giving medium to full-bodied reds with juicy fruit and just enough spice. You’ll also get some Garnacha and a few whites, but it’s mostly about the reds. Rioja wines can range from easy-drinking bottles to more complex stuff, depending on how long they’re aged.
Spain
Spain is a monster when it comes to wine. It’s one of the biggest producers in the world, and you’ll find everything from solid everyday bottles to fancy aged stuff. The main regions to know are Rioja (famous for Tempranillo reds), Ribera del Duero (also Tempranillo), and Rías Baixas (where crisp Albariño whites come from). There’s also Cava for fizz and Sherry for some weird but wonderful fortified options.
The style can be pretty bold and fruity, especially with reds, but you’ll also get plenty of oak and spice from some regions. Whites are getting better and better, especially from cooler areas. Spanish wine is usually great value, whether you’re after a simple table bottle or something to show off.