Spain has an ancient wine producing history, dating back
3000 years, in the Jerez region of Andalucia. However, only
in the past 150 years has Spain begun to adopt the modern
winemaking methods necessary to compete with the rest of the
winemaking community of Europe. The adoption of these methods
came out of necessity, rather than choice, in the face of
a devastating aphid that was systematically consuming and
destroying the great vineyards of Europe.
In the 1860’s, phylloxera had already destroyed many
of the vineyards of France and Italy. The winemakers of Bordeaux,
needing wines to fulfill the demand of their customers, crossed
the Pyrenees to Spain, specifically Rioja. The decision to
travel to Rioja was a combination of the reputation that Rioja
had the capability to produce great wine;, and proximity.
At the time, in Spain, winemaking had not yet reached modern
standards. Grape clusters were being picked, not yet fully
ripe; and then aged in oak for long periods of time to mask
the inferior quality of the harvest.
Eventually, phylloxera crossed the Pyrenees, and began destroying
the vineyards of Spain as well. The grafting of European rootstock
onto resistant American vines became necessary to rebuild
the vineyards of Europe. The French went home, but what remained
in Spain were the valuable lessons of modern era winemaking.
Winemaking in Spain has gone through many changes since that
time, and is constantly evolving and improving viticulture
techniques, and the laws which govern. After entrance into
the EU in 1986, Spain altered some of its longstanding regulations
to compare to the standards found in the rest of the wine
making community in Europe. Most recently, in 2003, the new
Ley del Vino “new wine law,” created new categories,
and included existing classifications, with the necessary
upgrades and improvements. These new categories offer more
flexibility for those wishing to separate from the existing
traditions.
In modern times, there has been a range of competing styles
between the wines created by the traditionalists, and the
internationally styled wines made by the ultra modernists.
There is a consistent trend of new, emerging wine regions
throughout Spain, offering wines of incredible quality, and
of excellent value.
