4 Spanish Wine Culture That You Should Know

As the 3^rd largest producer of wine in the world, Spain has a rich wine history. Apart from the famous wine region Rioja and popular sparkling wine Cava, you may have also heard of “Battle of Wine” and their traditional drink Sangria, let’s get to know more about the passion for wine of Spain!

1. Battle of Wine (Batalla de Vino)

Many of us may have heard of Spain’s Tomato Battle (La Tomatina). Indeed there’s another similar festival called Battle of Wine (Batalla de Vino). In the town of Haro, located at the famous wine region La Rioja in Spain, the Battle of Wine takes place on June 29 every year. The origins of this tradition is because of a dispute with the nearby village of Miranda de Ebro over the ownership of some local crags. The both sides chose to splash wine to each other and later this became a cheerful festival in Haro. Everyone will wear white clothes and splash wine to each other using jugs, bottles or water gun, until everyone is soaked in the wine. Many participants indulge in the cheerful atmosphere, splashing with thousands litres of wine every year.

2. New Year’s Eve Tradition：Lucky 12 Grapes with Cava

According to the New Year’s Eve tradition in Spain, people eat 12 grapes one by one, in time with the striking of the clock at midnight countdown to 1^st January. Each grape represents 1 month of the new year. If you can finish 12 grapes before the bells finish chiming, you will have a year of prosperity and good luck. After the countdown, people will celebrate with Cava, some will even drop a gold ring into a glass of Cava to wish for good fortune in the new year.

3. Traditional Spanish Drink: Sangria

Sangria is a popular traditional Spanish drink which is commonly served in many Spanish beach bars and restaurants. Sangria is usually made of red wine, fruits, orange juice, syrup and ice, some also come with brandy and sparkling water. The blend of seasonal fruits and red wines’ aromas give an appealing, fresh drink, which is perfect for summer.

4. Spanish Sunshine in a Bottle：Sherry Wine

 Credit to: IG@travalong.co.in

Apart from Cava, you may also get to know the Spain’s national wine －Sherry. Sherry is a fortified white wine from Southern Spain which has been made for centuries. It is made primarily with Palomino grapes, which will be fortified with spirit after fermentation completed. Sherry has taken many influential people of the century by storm, even Shakespeare accomplished Sherry as the Spanish sunshine in the bottle!

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