The 2012 Hot List: Spain

With more land under vine than any country in the world, Spain continues to amp up both production and quality in all 17 autonomous regions, pleasing palates nationally and well beyond her shores. From the crisp, dry whites of the coast to the thick, chewy inland reds and the sparkling wines of the north and fortified wines of the south, Spain is well-positioned to take the ebb and flow of global wine trends in stride. Classic bodegas continue to offer their traditional, Old World terroir-driven character, while newer wineries please those looking for a cleaner, fruit-driven New World style.

It is encouraging to see both ends of the Spanish spectrum make healthy strides toward organic, and even biodynamic farming and winemaking methods, as the sustainability of everything from healthily-farmed land to environmentally friendly bottles assure continued progress, growth and further increases in quality and reputation. It’s nice to see this old dog learn new tricks.

See the rest of The 2012 Hot List

Prominent regions in Spain

Rioja, Penedès, Ribera del Duero, Jumilla, Rias Baixas, Priorat, La Mancha, Jerez

Classic producers in Spain

Muga, González Byass, Segura Viudas

Up-and-coming producers in Spain

Alvaro Palacios, Beso de Vino, Jorge Ordóñez & Co., Nathalie Bonhomme

Nathalie Bonhomme 2010 El Petit Bonhomme

Check out more Spain wine notes