As a sleeping giant, Spain woke up in the 1990s to become a key country on the world stage. With more than a million hectares planted, it is at the head of the largest vineyard in the world and shows remarkable dynamism. To the traditional wines of Xeres and Rioja have been added the great wines of Catalonia, the Duero basin or Galicia which have largely contributed to renewing and diversifying the style of Spanish production. With the exception of the north-west quarter, largely open to Atlantic influences, and the Mediterranean facade, the climate is of continental type with alternating harsh winters and hot or hot summer. Spain first shines with its deep, intense red wines made from Grenache and Tempranillo grapes, which are well adapted to the hot summer weather, but it now successfully exploits other indigenous varieties such as mencia, bobal or mourvèdre. The range of whites has expanded: to the inimitable xeres and Catalan cava, the new generation of Spanish white wines has highlighted the albariño, verdejo or godello grape varieties capable of giving modern, tonic and a real elegance.
