Spanish Wine Labels Explained: Key Terms and What They Mean
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Temps de lecture 2 min
Like its cuisine and culture, Spain has its own unique way of labelling wine. If you've ever stood in front of a supermarket shelf staring at unfamiliar terms, you're not alone. With 94 million tourists in 2024, many have found themselves trying to guess what's inside the bottle.
This short guide will help you make sense of Spanish wine labels with real examples, simple explanations and a few personal tips from experience - so you can confidently choose the bottle that suits your taste.
How to Decode a Spanish Wine Label
Front Label
The front label offers a quick snapshot of the wine's identity. It highlights
- Year of winery foundation
- Brand name
- Official designation
- Vintage
- Ageing category
Labels often vary and may also include the grape variety, a brief tasting description, the full name of the producer or visual markers such as awards and quality seals. These elements help to position the wine and communicate both origin and style at a glance.
* See the gallery below for more examples
Back Label
The back of the label provides practical and regulatory information that complements that on the front such as:
- Grape variety
- Ageing process
- The ideal serving temperature
- Alcohol content
- Bottle volume
- Energy declaration
Additional elements such as the LOT number ensure traceability, while the producer's name and origin confirm authenticity.
Spanish Wine Terminology for Newbies
Spanish wine labels often contain terms that are unfamiliar to non-Spanish speakers. These terms refer to the wine's origin, ageing process and classification - important information that helps you decipher what's inside the bottle.
The following glossary is organised thematically and presents common terms found on Spanish wine labels, particularly those found in supermarkets and wine shops throughout Spain:
Aging Categories
Term |
Meaning |
Joven |
Fresh and fruity young wine, usually not aged in oak |
Crianza |
Aged at least 2 years (red), with 6–12 months in oak |
Reserva |
Aged in oak for a minimum of 3 years (red), often 12+ months |
Gran Reserva |
Minimum 5 years (red), 2 years in oak and 3 in bottle |
Origin & Classification
Term |
Meaning |
DO (Denominación de Origen) |
Protected designation of origin: Guarantees regional quality |
DOCa / DOQ |
Highest classification for consistently high quality regions (eg. Rioja, Priorat) |
Vino de la Tierra |
"Country wine" - regional but less strict than DO |
Vino de Mesa |
Table Wine - the lowest graded, not regionalised |
Grape & Winemaking
Term |
Meaning |
Tempranillo |
Spain's most famous red grape, used in Rioja and Ribera del Duero |
Garnacha |
Fruity, soft red grape; common in many blends |
Barrica |
Barrel - often oak; an indication of wood maturation |
Vendimia |
Harvest - may indicate manual or selective grape picking |
Personal Remarks
Having lived in Spain for over five years, I've discovered that price doesn't always equate to quality when it comes to wine. Excellent wines can be found in local supermarkets as well as traditional bodegas.
It's important to choose wines carefully and pair them with food to fully appreciate their flavours. For more insight into Spanish wine styles and food pairing suggestions, see our comprehensive guide.
