Spain has more land under vine than any country on earth, and for years sold most of it cheap and cheerful. Not any more. From Rioja's polish to Priorat's power, this is one of the most exciting wine countries going.

It is a country of extremes: baking plains, high mountain plateaus and a cool, green Atlantic coast, all making wildly different wine. The variety is the whole story.

The Big Names and the New Guard

Rioja remains the reliable heart, all mellow oak and dried fruit. Ribera del Duero brings the muscle, Priorat the drama. Up in green Galicia, crisp Albañino whites taste of the sea, while a wild new-wave of growers is reviving forgotten grapes and old vines all over the map.

Tempranillo, Garnacha and Friends

Two grapes carry much of the country. Tempranillo is the noble one, giving structure and savoury depth to Rioja and Ribera. Garnacha (Grenache to the French) brings the warmth and generous red fruit, and in old-vine form it is behind some of Spain's most thrilling reds.

Value Hiding in Plain Sight

For all its ambition, Spain remains one of the best-value wine countries on the shelf. Old vines, high altitude and a wealth of native grapes add up to serious drinking for sensible money. If you like your reds with sunshine and soul, start here.