Spanish wines offer an alternative in taste to those jaded with the usual varietals such as Cabernet, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Indeed, Spain's vineyards are planted with more than 800 grape varieties, mostly native and unique to Spain.
Imagine enjoying wines made from grapes such as Tempranillo, Albario, Garnacha, Palomino, Airen, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarello, Cariena and Monastrell.
Tempranillo is one most will be familiar with for it is the famous grape of Rioja.
Tempranillo is redolent with flavours of cherry, plum, liquorice, chocolate, tobacco and spice.
It can be a little lacking in weight and bright acidity and so is often blended with, say, Garnacha (Grenache) for strength, whilst grapes such as Graciano are added to boost tannins and Carinena grapes contributed more colour and acidity in the finished wine.
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