Spain is a country of wines with a designation of origin with national and international recognition.
Most of the Communities have exceptional wines but we are going to focus this article on detailing with maps the regions that have this category of wines.
Wines with designation of origin, regulations
Denominations of Origin are regulated by Regulation (EU) 401/2010. The regulations includes the following points:
- Geographical terms are delimited.
- Labeling is regulated.
- The types of wines.
- They must be wines from the same area.
- The elaboration must follow the regulations.
- Also enjoy commercial prestige.
- In addition, the characteristics cannot be altered, they must adhere exclusively to natural environments.
Wines D.O. by Communities
We highlight that 15 of the 17 Autonomous Communities have this category of wines, the Principality of Asturias and Cantabria are exceptions.
Andalusia
Millennial tradition in the cultivation of the vine with outstanding commercial brands and important wines with designation of origin.
Sherry wines, Malaga sweets and liqueurs have been a benchmark in the community for centuries. Vijiriega, Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez among the whites, or Tempranillo, Garnacha and Monastrell, among the reds, which coexist in perfect harmony with international varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Caberneet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, very acclimatized.
Marco de Jerez wines. The terms "Sherry" and "Jerez" have their origin in the Arabic word "Sherish" and are known worldwide.

Aragon
The variety Garnacha stands out.

Balearics

Canary Islands
The Community with the most wines with a designation of origin. Many wineries with tourist routes.
Production of light, fruity and red whites and rosés with wood. Also in La Palma Dry wines, Semi-sweet, volcanic Malvasia and Moscatel sweets.

Castilla la Mancha
We highlight the Garnacha Tintorera de Albacete. The weather is very important to produce excellent wines.
Also Airén and Tempranillo.

Castilla y León, another community that stands out for the quality of its wines, mainly Valladolid
This province, as we have already highlighted in another article, is the one with the most wines with a designation of origin, including a wine route from the city.
Most of the region's wines are of the “pata negra” quality.
Rueda stands out for its innovations and for the quality of the native grape, Verdejo.
In the land of León, the grape varieties «prieto picudo» and «albarin» , unique in the world, stand out.
In Toro there is also the autochthonous variety « Tinta de Toro «.

Catalonia, region of extraordinary importance in wines and cavas
Young white wines.

Extremadura

Galicia
The Galician Community has more wine than the Albariño from the Rías Baixas and the Ribeiro.
The wines of the Ribeira Sacra are high quality reds.
Its highly recommended route can be enjoyed along the Miño, which is full of monasteries and which has received this name since the 12th century.

The Rioja
More than 50% of the community is dedicated to growing wine with outstanding quality. The ‘Rioja’ brand is one of the five most notorious among the most prestigious wine regions in the world. All the wines are denomination of origin.

Madrid
The only capital in the world that gives its name to wines with a designation of origin.

Murcia
This community stands out for the quality of the Denomination of Origin wines from Jumilla with the MONASTRELL grape variety.
Natural sweet wines and liquor are important.
The Monastrell red grape is also the main one in the DO Bullas, with a practically organic cultivation.

Navarra
The Garnacha grape production stands out.

País vasco
Sparkling wines from late harvests. Different wines, «Txakoli».

Valencia
Monastrell and other varieties.
Garnacha tintorera or Alicante Bouschet. Unique Alicante Muscat.
