Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula, with over 1.2 million hectares (2.9 million acres) planted in wine grapes, making it the most widely planted wine-producing nation but the second largest producer of wine in the world. This is due, in part, to the very low yields and wide spacing of the old vines planted on the dry, infertile soil found in some of the Spanish wine regions. The country has an abundance of native grape varieties, with over 400 varieties planted throughout Spain though 88 percent of the country’s wine production is from only 20 grapes — including the reds Tempranillo, Bobal, Garnacha, and Monastrell.

Major Spanish wine regions include the Rioja and Ribera del Duero, which are known for their Tempranillo production; Jumilla, known for its Monastrell as well the Priorat region.