We're in the midst of grape harvest, when the work of an entire cycle is concentrated on the grape harvest. It's time to gather the crop that will give life to the wines we'll enjoy in the coming years. At Vinozia, we celebrate this tradition by highlighting some of the varieties that are at the heart of our catalog, from the robust Castilian character to the Atlantic freshness of Galicia.

Understanding the grape is the key to understanding what you'll find in your glass. Below, we explore five varieties that are pillars of Spanish viticulture and that define the quality and diversity of our selection.

Red Wines: body, history, and terroir

The two great Spanish red grapes offer profiles that range from the power and structure ideal for aging to the elegance of Atlantic reds.

1. Tempranillo: the queen of aging

Tempranillo is the most important and widely cultivated red grape in Spain. Its name derives from its early ripening. It is grown in cool continental climates and high-altitude areas, which favors its winemaking potential.

• Winemaking profile: It offers wines with good body, finesse, and great aging potential. Its clusters are large, and its berries have thick skins that provide excellent color and structure.
• In the glass: Young wines with aromas of strawberries and plums that, after aging, evolve into complex notes of vanilla, chocolate, tobacco, and roasted coffee.

We recommend:

Rioja Ramón Bilbao Mirto

Ribera del Duero Finca El Picón

2. Mencía: the elegance of the northwest

Mencía is the most representative and sought-after red grape from the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. It is distinguished by its thin skin, producing light, medium-bodied wines with moderate tannins. 

• Oenological profile: Its aromatic profile is its greatest strength. It achieves an excellent balance between acidity and sweetness, with a medium alcohol content.
• In the glass: Its unique fruity flavor stands out with notes of fresh red fruits such as raspberry, strawberry, and cherry, complemented by subtle floral, spicy, and earthy touches.

We recommend:

DO Monterrei Triay Mencía

White Wines: freshness, complexity, and salinity

The three white varieties from the Northwest demonstrate Galicia's ability to produce world-class whites, each with a distinctive structure.

3. Godello: structure and volume on the palate

Godello is a native white grape that dominates Galicia, especially the Valdeorras DO. It is an early-ripening but very fertile variety. Its berries are small with a firm skin that protects its concentration.

• Oenological profile: Focuses on creating wines with good acidity, with powerful, fresh, and citrus aromas. Its main value is its ability to evolve very well.
• In the glass: It stands out for its elegance and complexity. It is well suited to aging on lees or in barrels, gaining greater volume and complexity on the palate.

We recommend:

Valdeorras DO O Luar do Sil Vines de Córgomo

4. Treixadura: aromatic harmony

Treixadura is the dominant native white grape of the Ribeiro D.O. It is a late-ripening variety that prefers warm soils and well-oriented slopes.

• Oenological profile: It produces fine, elegant, and highly aromatic wines. Its good alcohol level is balanced by excellent acidity, resulting in fresh, flavorful, and unctuous wines.
• In the glass: The most prominent aromas are hints of fruit, delicate floral notes, and subtle balsamic touches. It exhibits a remarkable and positive development in the bottle.

We recommend:

DO Ribeiro Amadeus Treixadura

5. Albariño: citrus freshness and longevity

Albariño is the quintessential native white grape and the main variety of the Rías Baixas D.O. Its early ripening and thick skin are key characteristics.

• Oenological profile: It is famous for its exceptional freshness and high acidity, making it suitable for a good alcohol and glycerol content. The result is concentrated and enveloping wines with long life.
• In the glass: It presents straw-yellow hues. On the nose, it offers fruity and elegant aromas, and on the palate it is fresh, smooth, full-bodied, and very balanced.

We recommend:

Albariño Mar de Frades Finca Monteveiga

The adventure continues at Vinozia

At Vinozia, we have selected these wines not only for their flavor, but for how they represent the heart of their land. We invite you to use this variety guide to go beyond the label and discover the DNA of each bottle.

Looking for a robust red or a long-lasting white? Filter by your favorite variety on our website and celebrate the spirit of the harvest with us.