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WINES OF SPAIN
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Manto Negro
| Mahn-Toe-Neh-Groh |
— Indigenous to the Balearic Islands, this is the main
grape variety in the DO Binissalem in Mallorca. It produces light, balanced wines after short
aging in cask and bottle.
Mencia
| Men-See-A |
— A high-quality grape grown widely in northwest Spain, especially
Bierzo, it makes perfumed, relatively light-bodied reds. Highly distinctive, it has been often
confused for Cabernet Franc. It is known as Jaen in Portugal.
Monastrell
| Mon-Ah-Strell |
— Having originated in Spain, Monastrell is one of the most
popular grapes in the world, used everywhere from the Rhone Valley (where it is called
Mourvèdre) to Australia. The new wave of talented Spanish winemakers use old-vine
Monastrell to create wines as dark as night, with relatively high alcohol levels, plenty of ripe
fruit, and great concentration. Monastrell can also create elegant, herbal wines when grown
at high altitudes.
Prieto Picudo
/ Pree-ito – Pee-kudo/
— A black-skinned variety native of León, this relatively
intense red wine is aromatic and usually gives an intense color. It possesses sufficient levels of
tannins and acidity. It is versatile and is amenable to oak treatments during vinification. This
increasingly popular grape is still under development.
Tempranillo
| Temp-Rah-Nee-Yo |
— Spain’s most widely planted and famous grape,
Tempranillo is known for making some of the best wines in Spain, especially coming from Rioja,
Ribera del Duero and Toro. This grape grows well in high altitudes, with hot days and cool
nights. It makes bold and complex red wines that offer red fruit, tobacco, leather, and vanilla
and are usually made to last many years in cellar.