- Addressing Climate Change:
Perhaps the most significant trend of the past 15 years has been the exploration of different approaches to tackle climate change. This challenge is closely related to the search for moderating influences that preserve freshness in the vineyard. On one hand, it represents an effort by growers to anticipate future challenges; on the other, it reflects a growing desire to contribute greater levels of freshness, elegance, and finesse to today’s wines. With these objectives in mind, new vineyards are being established at higher altitudes (it is now not uncommon for them to be above 1,000 m), in north-facing locations, at more northern latitudes, and in areas where vegetation better protects the grapes. At the same time, research is being conducted on minor indigenous varieties that are more resistant to heat and drought (see trend #3), which, along with advances in clonal research of more common varieties, offer a promising opportunity to better adapt cultivation to the extreme conditions already affecting the country. - Less is More:
Although Spain’s warm climate will continue to be reflected in the power of its wines, increasing efforts are being made to balance that strength with elegance and harmony—an objective that is becoming ever more necessary in the context of climate change. To achieve this, many producers have begun to harvest earlier, extract less, use larger barrels, or reduce—and even eliminate—the use of oak. - Diversification of Varieties and Wine Styles:
Of the nearly 2,500 grape varieties that existed in Spain before the phylloxera epidemic, fewer than 180 survive today. The good news, however, is that many of these “minor” varieties, once little known, are beginning to gain prominence on wine labels. Although they are usually found in small quantities and sometimes dispersed or intermingled in old vineyards (see trend #4), these indigenous varieties add a new dimension to the wines of their respective regions, providing new nuances and sensations. Alongside the recovery of these ancient varieties, a small but growing collection of wine styles that challenge traditional conceptions in each region has emerged. Red wines from Rías Baixas and whites from Ribera del Duero are two of the most notable examples. - A Renewed Interest in Blending Varieties in the Vineyard and the Use of Old Vineyard Material:
There is a growing interest in the traditional blend of varieties that was once common in the vineyard. This practice involves co-planting red and white grape varieties that have historically been grown, harvested, and vinified together. Blending in the field not only provides a valuable source of old vineyard material and genetic diversity but also offers a unique perspective for understanding the terroir. - Recovery of Traditional Techniques and Styles:
Historical winemaking techniques are making a comeback. Practices such as co-fermenting red and white grapes to produce red and rosé wines (especially when working with historically intermingled varieties in the field), the use of whole clusters, and traditional vessels are once again becoming popular. These methods help preserve the identity of each variety and allow the authentic character of the terroir to shine through. - Growth of Premium Rosés:
Spain, the world’s second-largest producer of rosé wines after France and a global leader in export volume, is showing tremendous potential in this segment. Whereas in the past many wineries settled for offering an entry-level rosé for the summer season, more and more are now incorporating premium labels into their range. These wines come from old vineyards specifically cultivated for rosé production, rather than being obtained as a by-product of bleeding off juice to concentrate red wines. The use of “mosto flor,” aging on fine lees, and careful management of oak are now common practices at this level of quality. - Aging Potential of White Wines Outside Rioja:
Although Viura has proven its aging potential in the classic white wines of Rioja, varieties such as Verdejo, Albariño, Xarel·lo, Godello, and even Hondarrabi Zuri have accumulated enough vintages to demonstrate—through old bottles or vertical tastings—that these grapes, when possessing sufficient structure and concentration, can also produce wines that gain complexity over the medium and long term. - Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Practices:
Many growers have been working for years to eliminate pesticides and herbicides, but it is now that the benefits of official certification are widely recognized. In the past four years, the area of certified organic vineyards has increased by 33%, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental sustainability (see page 21). The five main autonomous communities in terms of certified organic vineyard hectares are Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia, Comunidad Valenciana, Murcia, and Castilla y León. Within Catalonia, the DO Penedès is the first in Spain and the world to require that all its wines be made from grapes certified as organic starting with the 2025 harvest. The DO Cava has adopted a similar requirement for all Guarda Superior Cava bottles from that same year. - Updates to DOP Legislation:
In the last ten years, regulatory bodies have introduced legislative changes that benefit both producers and consumers. These changes foster greater transparency, sustainability, expression of the terroir, and flexibility in production, among other key points. Notable modifications include new classifications, wine styles, authorized varieties, and even production limits in several DOs across Spain, reflecting the country’s continuous evolution in line with global trends. - Women in Leadership:
Finally, it is important to highlight the notable increase in the number of women in leadership positions within the wine industry. Between 2009 and 2020, the number of women heading wine-related businesses doubled, rising from 11,116 to 23,194. Moreover, more and more women are enrolling in higher education programs related to wine, currently representing nearly 50% of new enrollments.
In short, these trends are not only indicators of changes in wine production but also reflect the commitment of the entire wine community to innovation, sustainability, and tradition. From adapting to climate change to female leadership, each of these aspects adds a unique dimension to Spanish wine, and let’s not forget education as a cross-cutting vector in every trend and the very purpose of this analysis.
Nygil Murrel - The Wine Studio
