From big rich reds to fresh, crisp whites, from fruity roses to fortified sherries to sparkling wines--Spain does it all.
In terms of prestige, Priorat is also nipping at the heals of Rioja. Some of the most heralded and expensive Spanish wines are coming out of this very small wine region, located an hour or so from the sea, just southwest of Penedes in northeast Spain. Called "Priorato" by non-Catalonian Spaniards, the country here is rugged and beautiful, tucked into the mountains of a national park. Big, dark-colored red wines made from Garnacha are earning Priorato a reputation for quality. The secret to Priorato’s success might be due to innovative young winemakers and to the slopes of flaky slate soils, called Llicorella, on which the vines are grown. In addition to native Spanish varieties, room is being made in the vineyards for international grapes, like Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Priorat also produces big white wines, aged in oak with a high degree of alcohol.
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