For decades, Spanish wine meant one thing to most American drinkers: Rioja. But a revolution has been quietly brewing for years, and today, Spain is one of the most dynamic and diverse wine countries on the planet. This curated six-pack is a journey through that modern landscape, a showcase of the incredible wines coming from the country's other world-class regions. From the salty whites of the Atlantic coast to the powerful reds of Priorat and the volcanic wines of the Canary Islands, this is a tour of the real Spain — a country of incredible diversity, ancient vines, and visionary producers.
The Wines
2020 Avinyó, "Can Fontanals" Cava, Brut Nature Reserva
We begin with bubbles, but not just any bubbles. This is a world-class sparkling wine from the heart of the Penedès, made in the same traditional method as Champagne but with a distinctly Spanish soul. Bone-dry and complex, it opens with notes of green apple, toasted almonds, and a fine, persistent bead that sets the stage for the wines to come.
Pair with: A wide array of tapas, from gambas al ajillo to pan con tomate.
2024 Bodega Gaintza, "Altxor", Getariako Txakolina Blanco, Basque Country
From wind-lashed bluffs overlooking the Cantabrian Sea, this is Txakolina at its most expressive. The Lazkano family has farmed these clay-limestone slopes since 1923, harvesting Hondarrabi Zuri by hand from southeast-facing pergolas shielded by Mount Garate. Fermented cool on native yeasts with no oak and no dosage, it is a wine of razor acidity and natural spritz, with notes of lemon zest, green apple, sorrel, and a chalky, briny snap. Think Albariño meets Chablis with Basque attitude.
Pair with: Pintxos, grilled anchovies, or fresh seafood.
2020 Suertes del Marqués, "Medianías" Listán Negro, Canary Islands
Our first red takes us to the volcanic island of Tenerife. Here, ancient, ungrafted Listán Negro vines are trained in a unique braided method called cordón trenzado. The resulting wine is ethereal and aromatic, with a captivating bouquet of red berries, black pepper, and a whisper of volcanic ash — a singular expression of place that has no real equivalent in the red wine world.
Pair with: Mojo-marinated pork, grilled tuna with chimichurri, or a platter of Canarian papas arrugadas with mojo verde.
2022 Bodegas Peique, "Tesín de la Campana", Bierzo DO
From the high-altitude slate vineyards of Bierzo, this is Mencía from a single vineyard at its most elegant. Bodegas Peique is one of the region's benchmark producers, and this wine showcases the aromatic complexity and freshness that makes Bierzo one of Spain's most exciting red wine regions. Fragrant and medium-bodied, it offers notes of red berries, violets, and a distinct stony minerality.
Pair with: Grilled pork, mushroom dishes, or a simple plate of charcuterie.
2021 Dominio de Atauta, Ribera del Duero
We move to the high plateau of Castile for a wine from one of Spain's most celebrated red wine regions. Dominio de Atauta farms some of the oldest Tempranillo vines in Ribera del Duero, and this bottling is a beautifully structured, dark-fruited red with notes of black cherry, cedar, and dried herbs. It is a wine of real depth and elegance, built to age but drinking beautifully now.
Pair with: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, or aged Manchego cheese.
2018 Scala Dei, "Cartoixa", Priorat
We conclude our tour of Spain in Priorat, the country's most powerful and mineral-driven red wine region. Scala Dei is the oldest winery in the appellation, and their "Cartoixa" is a benchmark Garnacha and Cariñena blend grown on the region's distinctive llicorella slate soils. Dense and dark-fruited, with notes of black cherry, licorice, and graphite, it is a fitting finale to this tour of modern Spain.
Pair with: Braised lamb shanks, grilled steak, or hearty stews.
