Around the World in 40 Fruits – Volume 19 – By Dr. Marli Botha – Volume 19 0f 40
By Dr. Marli Botha
The grape is deeply embedded in Spanish culture, particularly in wine production, it’s not officially designated as the national fruit of Spain. In Spain, the grape is particularly significant due to its role in the wine industry and is also associated with the New Year’s Eve tradition of eating 12 grapes.
Let’s uncork the history, heritage, and harmony of Spain’s grapes – where each vine tells a story of sunshine, celebration, and centuries-old craftsmanship.
- Grape vines have been grown in Spain since at least 3000 BC.
- Winemaking in Spain began around 1000 BC with the arrival of Phoenician traders.
- Spain is one of the largest wine-producing countries in the world, behind only France and Italy.
- Cava – Cava is to Spain as Champagne is to France. A national treasure, made from local varieties Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada.
- Spanish wines are often labeled according to the amount of aging the wine has received. When the label says vino joven (“young wine”) or Sin crianza, technically the wines have not been aged at all, but some will have undergone up to a few months oak wood aging.
- Sherry is also a famous local Spanish production. It is a fortified wine made from white grapes and contains the essence of the southern region of Spain.
- Another interesting fact about Sherry is that it goes well with foods that are hard to pair with wines, such as green olives, artichokes, nuts, asparagus, sausages, shrimp and sushi.
