A Majestic Wine Tour of Spain

Spain is synonymous with bold red wines, and its most famous regions have mastered the art of crafting full-bodied, age-worthy expressions.

From the same family as our top-selling Spanish wine, The Guv’nor, comes an exciting evolution: The Guv’nor VIP. This rebellious red takes grapes from Spain’s finest winemaking regions – Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Toro – to create an unapologetically bold wine. With meticulous oak ageing, it delivers layers of black cherry, red plum, and blackberry, underscored by hints of mellow spice and savoury oak.

For those who love the depth and complexity of Rioja, Viña Pomal 106 Barricas is an exceptional choice. Hailing from Bodegas Bilbaínas, one of Rioja’s most historic estates, this limited-edition wine is aged for 20 months in a mix of American and French oak, followed by two years in bottle before release. With notes of ripe dark fruit, vanilla, and toasted spice, it’s a match made in heaven for fragrant lamb dishes.

Meanwhile, Ribera del Duero’s high-altitude vineyards yield some of Spain’s most powerful reds. Bodegas Bardos Ribera del Duero Reserva is a prime example, crafted from low-yielding Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Aged for 16 months in French oak, it showcases concentrated notes of dark fruit, chocolate, vanilla, and smoky spice. This is a wine built for slow-cooked meats and rich stews.

But Spanish reds go beyond just Tempranillo. The country is home to an array of distinctive grape varieties, each offering something different. Garnacha (Grenache) is widely grown across Spain, particularly in regions like Aragón and Priorat, where it produces rich, fruit-forward wines with soft tannins and spicy undertones. Monastrell (Mourvèdre), found primarily in Jumilla and Alicante, delivers bold, structured wines with deep black fruit, earthy notes, and hints of chocolate. Mencía, native to the northwest, creates fresher, lighter reds with bright red fruit, floral aromas, and a mineral backbone, often compared to Pinot Noir or Cabernet Franc.

Spain is best known for its reds, but its whites are increasingly stealing the spotlight. The coastal regions, particularly Rías Baixas and Costers del Segre, are home to some of the country’s most exciting white wines.

For a taste of sustainability and tradition, the Raimat Organic Albariño is a must-try. Hailing from the historic Raimat estate, this wine comes from two carefully selected vineyard plots, each vinified separately before blending. Expect a fresh, mineral-driven profile with notes of white flowers, tropical fruit, and grapefruit. Its crisp acidity makes it an ideal pairing for seafood aperitifs, rice dishes, and tempura.

Another outstanding Albariño, our  Definition by Majestic Albariño, is a collaboration with one of Rías Baixas’ finest producers, Martín Códax. This wine embodies the region’s coastal influence, with crisp apricot and citrus flavours, backed by a signature salinic minerality. It’s a dream match for sushi, seafood, and fresh soft cheeses.

Beyond Albariño, Spain boasts an array of fascinating white grape varieties. Verdejo, the signature grape of Rueda, is known for its lively acidity, citrusy notes, and herbaceous character, often likened to Sauvignon Blanc. Godello, predominantly grown in Galicia, produces fuller-bodied whites with stone fruit, floral aromas, and a distinctive minerality. Viura (Macabeo), a key grape in Rioja’s white wines, offers subtle orchard fruit, floral hints, and a smooth texture – sometimes aged in oak to develop complexity. For something truly unique, Xarel-lo, one of the main grapes in Cava, is increasingly being used for still wines, producing structured, aromatic whites with citrus and almond notes.

No Spanish wine selection would be complete without Cava, the country’s answer to celebratory bubbles! Made using the traditional method, Cava is crafted from native grapes like Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada, resulting in wines that are crisp, elegant, and beautifully balanced. Expect notes of green apple, citrus, and toasted brioche—perfect for pairing with tapas like patatas bravas, jamón Ibérico, or grilled seafood.

For something fantastically unique, Viña Pomal Sparkling Rioja Reserva is an innovative must-try. Sparkling Rioja is a rare find, and this elegant example, crafted by Mayte Calvo at Bodegas Bilbaínas, showcases how Rioja’s signature grape varieties shine with bubbles. Fresh and intense, with layers of red and white fruit, citrus, and a touch of spice, it’s a fantastic match for grilled fish, seafood, and light cheeses.