DRINKS: A straightforward guide to ordering wine in Spain

Tinto ~ Red Wine
Instead of the standard Rioja, why not try Ribera del Duera wines from central Spain. They are better value and just as good.

Tinto de Verano ~ Red Wine Spritzer
Served across the country, the cold summer drink is one part red wine, one part sparkling soda or water and in some places rum is added.

Crianza ~ An Aged Wine
A red that has been aged a minimum of two years with at least six months in a barrel. (White Crianza wines must be aged for at least one year.)

Rosado ~ Rose
Most Spanish rosados are made from Garnacha grapes or sometimes Tempranillo. Rosados can be quite dark in colour and are usually dry and tangy.

Cava ~ Sparkling Wine
Cava is Spain’s most popular sparkling wine Freixenet and Codorniu are its two main producers.

Blanco ~ White Wine
A good tip when ordering white wine is to order whatever is produced locally.

Rioja ~ Spain´s most famous Wine
This wine region produces medium-bodied reds that feature Tempranillo grapes. There are also Rioja whites, but the region is mostly famous for it´s red wine.

Reserva and Gran Reserva
Reserva red wine has spent a minimum of one year in oak and two years in a bottle,  while Gran Reserva has spent two years in oak and three years in a bottle. Gran Reserva is more expensive as it has been aged for longer.