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spanish wine scholar

25 Spanish Wine Terms You Need To Know

Cosecha. Joven. Viejo. And the list goes on. Many wine-producing countries use local-language wine-related terminology without realizing their consumers are unaware of their meaning. Even native language speakers are sometimes confused by these terms as they are technical and/or relate to wine law. No need to worry! Below is your very own Spanish Wine Glossary (in alphabetical order) providing the top 25 wine terms you need-to-know to navigate Spanish wine.

A Short History of Spain in 9 Glasses of Wine with Paul Wagner

Summary: Most wine presentations focus on viticulture and oenology, but wine is a product of local and regional culture far more than it is of geology and climate. Exploring the world of Spanish wine through the lenses of the country’s history and culture, Paul Wagner traces the roots of the wines that we drink today to the key historical elements that make Spain one of the most

Discover our newest study & certification program

After nearly two years of hard work, we are thrilled to present the Wine Scholar Guild’s latest certification course… The Spanish Wine Scholar® (SWS) Program! The program officially launches in October of 2019, but it is already garnering significant attention around the globe.

Garnacha: Rooted in Spain with Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW

Summary:  Garnacha (Grenache) is increasingly capturing the attention of wine enthusiasts around the world for its approachability, versatility and quality. As the variety continues to make its mark on the world wine scene, Spanish producers continue to innovate with a wide range of styles. Master of Wine Pedro Ballesteros Torres will lead us in a deep dive into Garnacha, covering

PODCAST: Rick Fisher on Sherry and the SWS Program

In this episode, we are chatting with Rick Fisher, Spanish Wine Scholar Education Director, about Sherry styles and getting a behind-the-scenes peek at the forthcoming Spanish Wine Scholar Program.

Ribera Del Duero: High and Mighty Altitude Wines with Jeni Wilson

Summary:  Ribera del Duero is an up-and-coming Spanish wine region, along the Duero River in central Spain. Its signature grape Tempranillo has found its place in high-altitude plateaus in this arid and demanding region. Vineyards are found throughout the valley between 750 and 1060 m shaping the style of wine. Local winemakers are carving a name for themselves in small rural communities totally off the beaten track.

Rioja Gold: The Past, Present, and Future of Aged Rioja Wines

Bordeaux. Burgundy. Barolo. Rioja. Just the mere mention of any one of these wine regions conjures images of the world’s best wines all sharing the ability to age for decades. The wines of Rioja have earned their place amongst this elite group; and whilst consumer tastes may swing like a clock’s pendulum, the practice of aging wines in Rioja helps define its successful past, present, and future.

Sherry: Past, Present & Future with César Saldaña

Summary:  Jerez is among the older wine regions in the World, with nearly 3,000 years of continued wine activity. Over the centuries, wine production has evolved into very unique methods of production and a whole series of different wines of very strong identity, which were finally regulated under the first DO appellation in Spain, 85 years ago. But wine production continues to evolve in the Sherry region and local winemakers are now experimenting beyond the DO rules to find new

The Crunchy Wines of Galicia with Jonas Tofterup MW

Summary:  Galicia not only has an astonishing green landscape, but it produces some of the freshest and most vibrant wines in Spain. The wet, green corner of Spain is home to some of the steepest vineyards of the world, some which have an inclination of more than 100%! The diversity of the different wine growing appellations and the wide array of local grape varieties creates a fantastic diversity of styles to explore. Presenter: Jonas Tofterup MW

The Fab 14: Grape Varieties of Rioja

Summary: Informed wine lovers know that Châteauneuf-du-Pape has 13 allowed grape varieties, but did you know that Rioja has 14? Most people have heard of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Viura. But how about Maturana Tinta, Tempranillo Blanco or Malvasia? Or what role does Sauvignon Blanc play in Rioja? Discover the 14 grape varieties of Rioja and their characteristics, both in the vineyard and in wine, and learn how some of these are Rioja’s secret

The Grands Crus of Spain: Grandes Pagos de España and the Importance of Terroir

Summary: Join the leading Spanish wine association of 35 wineries known as the “Grands Crus of Spain,” Grandes Pagos de España (GPE), for an exclusive webinar with the Spanish Wine Scholar Guild. GPE representatives Valentí Llagostera (Co-Owner & Co-Founder, Mas Doix) and Marta Santander (Director of Exports, Familia Martínez Bujanda) will discuss GPE’s mission to uphold the

The Wine Quality System of Spain

Spain began linking wine to “place” early on. As far back as the beginning of the 20th century, the need for wine regulations became self-evident. The country was experiencing rampant wine fraud; quality wines were being diluted with bulk wine on a regular basis. Rioja was a leader in the charge for legislation to guarantee wine origin. In 1902, a Royal Decree defined the origin of its wines by establishing a geographical link between the name of a product and the place where it is produced. Just a little over two decades later, in 1926, the first Consejo Regulador (Regulating Council) was created in Rioja. In the years that followed, Jerez and Málaga also gained regional protection.
Wines of Galicia

The Wines of Galicia: Exploring Green Spain from Albariño to Zamarrica

Summary Located in northwest Spain, right above Portugal, Galicia has its own unique culture, language, and a winemaking tradition going back millennia. From favorites like Albariño to grapes that may not be so familiar, we'll explore Galicia's hidden corners and even learn some gallego along the way. In this comprehensive overview of Galician wine, participants will explore the region's history, geography, culture, and of course, wine. Following the presentation, a

Top 10 reasons to study Spanish wine

Are you ready to dive into one of the world’s greatest wine-producing countries? If so, our next Spanish Wine Scholar Instructor-Led course is about to start, and we would love to have you join us! If you still aren’t sure, then take a look at these ten reasons why you should be studying Spanish wine.