The Grapes of Spain

If there is one native Spanish grape that a typical wine drinker will know, it is Tempranillo, and for most consumers, the story ends there. In the second half of the 20th century, it was this widespread lack of recognition of Spain’s native grapes combined with the ease of growing French varieties that gave nonnative grapes inroads in Spain. Winemakers didn’t want to explain Monastrell when people already knew and were happy to drink Cabernet Sauvignon. But even though Syrah and Petit Verdot have shown good results, there are countless […]