In this year’s annual report on Spain, we highlighted the dynamic evolution of Spanish wines away from excessive extraction and overripeness toward lightness, purity and delicacy. The result has been more expressive, balanced and drinkable wines that embody the contemporary ethos of terroir-specific winemaking, often showcasing the alluring freshness of the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions the wines come from.
While “balance” is always crucial when assessing a wine’s drinkability, we also place great importance on sensory parameters such as purity, texture, acidity and fruit freshness. Wines that exhibit minerality, linearity, fluidity, succulence, and a fresh crunch on the palate are highly regarded, but it is essential to note that the lighter body of some of these wines should not be mistaken for a lack of flavor concentration.
But Spain also faces a conundrum. The stylistic shift toward strikingly fresh and drinkable wines that express a sense of place has pushed many of them into the premium price category as demand surges. Despite the changing market, however, great-value wines can still be found. The 10 wines below epitomize the stylistic shift toward lightness, freshness and drinkability while staying in the range of affordability, and the selection isn’t limited to that old Spanish standby, garnacha.
Varieties that are not typically associated with drinkability also come into play, such as the more rustic and tannic bobal, as well as the deep-colored and fleshy garnacha tintorera (alicante bouschet). The Bodegas y Viñedos Ponce Bobal Manchuela La Estrecha 2021 is a triumphant example of the former, showing purity and a mineral texture, while the Envínate Almansa Albahra Vinos Mediterráneos 2021 is a great interpretation of the latter, delivering sappy fruit and vibrancy.
Mencia, listan prieto and a Galician blend in the form of the Attis Bodegas y Viñedos Rías Baixas Xión Cuvée Tinto 2019 are also featured. These wines come from various terroirs and climates and together they well represent Spain’s unlimited possibilities for drinkability. But best of all, they still provide excellent value for money.
– Zekun Shuai, Senior Editor
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Bodegas y Viñedos Ponce Bobal Manchuela La Estrecha 2021 – JS95
Vivino.com: $27
Envínate Almansa Albahra Vinos Mediterráneos 2021– JS95
Vivino.com: $17.30
Comando G Sierra de Gredos La Bruja 2020 – JS94
Sokolin.com: $33.99
Envínate Ycoden-Daute-Isora Benje 2021– JS94
Wine.com: $31.99
Attis Bodegas y Viñedos Rías Baixas Xión Cuvée Tinto 2019 – JS93
Vivino.com: $16.35
Bodegas y Viñedos Ponce Garnacha Manchuela La Xara 2022 – JS93
Wine.com: $19.99
Descendientes de J. Palacios Bierzo Pétalos 2021– JS93
KLWines.com: $19.99
Herència Altés Terra Alta La Pilosa 2021 – JS93
Wine.com: $23.99
Terroir Sense Fronteres Montsant Negre 2021 – JS93
Vivino.com: $18.90
Bodegas y Viñedos Merayo Mencía Bierzo Las Tres Filas 2021 – JS92
International Price: $12
