Spanish wines offer many of the qualities of French and Italian wines, but lower demand (mainly due to the relative lack of wine exports from Spain) has kept their prices well within reach, and their value for money is excellent, in most cases.

Known mainly for red wines, sparkling wines, and Sherry, the Spanish wine industry dates back more than 2,000 years, and the country boasts the largest extension of vineyards in the world (more than 14,000 square kilometers, or 5,400 square miles).

There are at least 50 wine regions in Spain. Among the best-known regions is the Rioja, known for its strong, flavourful, wood-barrel-aged reds. Catalonia is known for high-quality Cavas, or sparkling wines, a less expensive alternative to French champagne; as well as reds like Merlot and Cabernet. The city of Jerez has been known worldwide for its Sherry for centuries, while white wines from the Rueda region have been growing in popularity and gaining international acclaim over the past few years.

Examine the world wine regions, from the OLD to the NEW.