When it comes to Spanish wine, Rioja and Priorat often steal the spotlight. Rioja is celebrated for its age-worthy Tempranillo-based reds, while Priorat is known for powerful, mineral-driven wines made from Garnacha and Cariñena. However, Spain is home to many lesser-known wine regions that are quietly producing exceptional wines capable of rivaling these iconic areas.
In this article, we’ll explore some of Spain’s hidden wine gems, highlight what makes them unique, and explain why wine enthusiasts should pay attention to these emerging regions.
Spain’s Lesser-Known Wine Regions
While Rioja and Priorat dominate international recognition, several other regions have been gaining traction for their quality and unique expression of Spanish wine.
1. Bierzo (Northwest Spain)
Bierzo is located in the northwest of Spain and is particularly famous for Mencía-based red wines. Mencía is a grape that produces medium-bodied reds with bright acidity, floral aromas, and red berry flavors.
- Why it rivals Rioja: While Rioja reds are often bold and heavily oaked, Bierzo wines are more elegant and aromatic, making them approachable yet complex.
- Tasting notes: Expect vibrant cherry, raspberry, herbal undertones, and a subtle minerality that reflects the region’s slate soils.
2. Toro (Northwest Spain)
Toro is another region producing powerful Tempranillo wines (locally called Tinta de Toro). These wines are known for their structure, intensity, and aging potential.
- Why it rivals Priorat: Toro wines can be as full-bodied and concentrated as Priorat reds but often at a more accessible price point.
- Tasting notes: Dark fruit, chocolate, spice, and firm tannins make Toro wines ideal for long-term aging.
3. Rías Baixas (Northwest Coast)
While primarily known for white wines, Rías Baixas produces crisp, aromatic wines from the Albariño grape.
- Why it rivals Rioja and Priorat: Though different in style, these whites are internationally acclaimed and highly food-friendly, showcasing Spain’s versatility beyond reds.
- Tasting notes: Citrus, green apple, and stone fruit with a refreshing minerality.
4. Jumilla (Southeast Spain)
Jumilla, in the southeast, is known for robust Monastrell-based reds, producing wines with ripe fruit, deep color, and soft tannins.
- Why it rivals Priorat: Jumilla wines offer intensity and complexity similar to Priorat but are often less expensive and more widely available.
- Tasting notes: Blackberry, plum, herbs, and subtle spice.
5. Navarra (North Spain)
Navarra is often associated with rosé wines but also produces quality reds from Tempranillo, Garnacha, and international varietals.
- Why it rivals Rioja: Navarra reds balance fruitiness with structure, offering a fresher, more modern take compared to traditional Rioja.
- Tasting notes: Red cherry, raspberry, soft spice, and balanced acidity.
What Makes These Regions Unique
Several factors contribute to the growing acclaim of Spain’s lesser-known regions:
- Distinct Terroir – Each region has unique soil, altitude, and climate conditions, producing wines with distinctive flavors. For example, Bierzo’s slate soils give a mineral lift, while Jumilla’s warm climate produces concentrated fruit.
- Indigenous Grapes – Many of these regions highlight local grape varieties like Mencía, Monastrell, and Albariño, which are rarely found outside Spain.
- Innovation in Winemaking – Modern winemakers in these regions are experimenting with shorter oak aging, minimal intervention, and blending traditional and international techniques.
- Affordability – Compared to Rioja and Priorat, many lesser-known regions offer high-quality wines at more accessible prices, making them ideal for exploration.
Tasting and Pairing Lesser-Known Spanish Wines
Exploring wines from these regions allows you to experience a broad spectrum of Spanish wine styles:
- Bierzo Mencía – Pair with roasted poultry, light red meats, or tapas.
- Toro Tinta de Toro – Best with grilled steak, lamb, or hearty stews.
- Rías Baixas Albariño – Perfect with seafood, sushi, or fresh salads.
- Jumilla Monastrell – Pair with barbecue, spicy dishes, or aged cheeses.
- Navarra Reds – Versatile with pasta, roasted vegetables, or charcuterie boards.
By pairing wines thoughtfully, you can appreciate the regional nuances and see how these hidden gems rival the more famous Spanish wine areas.
Why Wine Lovers Should Explore These Regions
Exploring lesser-known Spanish wine regions offers several benefits:
- Discover Unique Flavors – Wines from these areas often showcase indigenous grapes and unique terroirs that differ from Rioja and Priorat.
- Expand Your Palate – Tasting wines from different regions allows you to compare styles and complexity, deepening your appreciation for Spanish wine.
- Affordable Quality – Many of these wines offer excellent value without compromising on flavor or structure.
- Support Emerging Winemakers – Purchasing from these regions supports smaller wineries and encourages diversity in the wine industry.
Buying Spanish Wine Online
If you want to explore Spanish wine beyond Rioja and Priorat, online shopping is a convenient way to access high-quality selections from these lesser-known regions.
Buy Wine Online from Box of Wine, Ireland’s best tailored-to-your-taste wine subscription service. Enjoy boutique wines delivered to your door every month, including a curated selection of Spanish wines from emerging regions. With next-day wine delivery in Ireland, discovering hidden gems from Spain has never been easier.
Conclusion
Spain’s lesser-known wine regions, Bierzo, Toro, Rías Baixas, Jumilla, and Navarra, offer an exciting and diverse alternative to Rioja and Priorat. With distinctive grapes, unique terroirs, innovative winemaking, and affordable prices, these regions prove that exceptional Spanish wine isn’t limited to the famous names.
For wine enthusiasts looking to explore beyond the classics, these hidden gems provide flavorful, aromatic, and complex wines that rival Spain’s most renowned regions. Discovering these wines online through services like Box of Wine allows you to experience the rich diversity of Spanish wine from the comfort of your home.
