Who’s ready for an intriguing Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero? How about a snappy Albarino from Rias Baixas? Perhaps you’d love a glass of Sherry from Jerez de la Frontera. These are terrific choices because quality wines from Spain are exceptional in regards to affordability, flavor, and their ability to complement a variety of foods. But those of you who didn’t take Spanish in high school or college (like me) may be a bit embarrassed when it’s time to ask for the specific wine you’d like to taste. I’ve been there! With some wine education and practice, it’s possible to sashay into that wine shop or tapas bar and ask for the wine you want with confidence. Following are a few tips to remember and a guide to the pronunciation of a few Spanish wine terms you’ll notice most often. And don’t forget to roll your r-s!

Albarino – Al-bah-REEN-yo

Cava – KAH-vah

Verdejo – Vair-DAY-ho

Malvasía – Mal-vah-SEE-yah

Godello – Go-DAY-yo

Palomino – Pal-oh-MEE-no

Macabeo – Mack-ah-BAY-oh

Pedro Ximenez – PE-droh He-MEN-iz

Xarello – Sa-RAY-yo

Parellada – Pah-ray-YADA

Airen – EYE-ren

Blanco – BLAHN-koh (used to refer to white wine)

Albarino grapes

Tempranillo – Temp-rah-NEE-yo

Garnacha – Gar-NAH-cha

Cariñeña – Carry-NYAY-nah

Mencia – MEN-see-yah

Monastrell – MAH-nah-strell

Tinto – TEEN-toh (used to refer to red wine)

Rosado – Ro-SAH-do (used to refer to rose wines)

Tempranillo Grapes

Rioja – Ree-OH-ha

Ribera del Duero – Ri-BERRO del-do-WAIRO

Priorat – PREE-oh-rot

Jerez de la Frontera – Heh-REX de-la Fron-TERRA

Catalunya – Cat-ah-LOON-ya

Rias Baixas – REE-us BYE-shus

Bierzo – Bee-AIR-zoh

Navarre – Nah-VAR

Penedes – PEH-ned-ess

Photo Credit: DO Cava

Cheers! ~ Cindy

Continue your exploration of wine and enroll in my online wine education course, Discover the Essentials of Wine (and choose it like a pro!) available on Teachable.

Click HERE for information. Gracias!