Rioja earns its fame, but a Spanish wine list has far more to offer — and ordering beyond the obvious is the fastest way to eat better. Here is a map for the nervous.
Reds to explore
- Ribera del Duero — bold Tempranillo, a natural steak partner.
- Priorat — dark, mineral, intense; for serious red drinkers.
- Mencía from Bierzo or Ribeira Sacra — lighter, floral, food-friendly.
Whites and bubbles
Albariño from Galicia is the go-to with seafood. For bubbles, cava delivers Champagne-method fizz at a fraction of the price — and pairs with almost any tapas spread.
The fortified wildcard
Do not skip sherry. A cold fino or manzanilla with olives and jamón is one of the great pairings in wine, and any good Spanish restaurant abroad will have one open.
Wine lists that go past Rioja
- Restaurante Guria in Mexico City lists wines from Penedès, Rueda, Rías Baixas, Somontano, Toro, Navarra and Priorat as well as Rioja and Ribera.
- Baserri in Leamington Spa pours only Spanish wine, from txakoli to volcanic wines from the Canary Islands.
- Pintxito in Covent Garden keeps a Basque drinks list with txakoli, served in three glass sizes.
- MoVida Next Door in Melbourne pairs its seafood with fino and Albariño.
Ask for the regional pour
Tell the staff what you are eating and ask for a Spanish region to match. Find lists worth exploring in our directory.
