Is Spain the New World of Old World Wines?

Spain has always played a lesser role in the wine world than its neighbors in France and Italy. There are good reasons for that, but there is also plenty of evidence to consider Spain as one of the most exciting wine regions in Europe today. 
 
Like Italy and France, Spain suffered from the phylloxera outbreak of the late 1800s. In the years leading up to World War I, Spain lost close to a third of its grape vines due to the outbreak. 
 
While Spain managed to stay (mostly) neutral through two World Wars, avoiding the humanitarian and economic calamity that the rest of Europe faced, it suffered its own catastrophic civil war in the 1930s, resulting in brutal rule of Generalissimo Francisco Franco, who served as “caudillo,” or dictator, until his death in 1975. 

Like most wannabee strongmen, Franco tried to control every aspect of Spanish society, including its wine industry. Franco didn’t drink and thought the only use for wine was for religious purposes. Unfortunately, white wines aren’t used in any sacramental practices, so Franco ordered white wine vines in regions like Rueda to be torn out. 
 
Franco wanted to use red wine mainly as an export commodity to shore up his failing economy, so he ordered wine producers to make only bulk wine, choosing quantity over quality. 
 
It’s taken a lot of time and investment to overcome its tragic wine history. But Today, Spanish winemakers, while honoring centuries-old viticultural traditions, are embracing modern winemaking techniques, including new aging methods, unconventional blends, and cutting-edge farming practices, which makes it feel like the New World of Old World winemaking. Spain is pushing boundaries while maintaining its identity and its approach, along with affordable, world class wines, should put Spanish wines on any wine enthusiasts list.