Bright, pure and rich: The 7 best Spanish white wines OUR expert’s verdict on moreish Spanish whites is viva España! GETTYSpain is one of the largest wine-producing countries in the world, but it’s predominantly a red wine country. While Spanish reds can be excellent and offer great value for money, don’t forget about the country’s whites, which have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years.The northwestern region of Rías Baixas is one of the key white areas, as it’s cooler, but there are also interesting whites coming from other red-dominated regions, too. Here is my selection of the best value-for-money whites. (01438 740222), 13% alcoholMade from the rare albillo mayor grape from 100-year-old vines, this is bright, pure and minerally with attractive citrus and pear fruit flavours. Lagar de Cervera Albariño 2014, Rías Baixas, Spain £14.95, tanners-wines.co.uk (01743 234500), 12.5% alcoholThis is a delicious albariño that’s lively and focused with zesty grapefruit and lemon flavours, a bit of pithiness and a keen citrussy finish.

Monte Blanco de Ramón Bilbao Verdejo 2014, Rueda, Spain £11, thedailydrinker.co.uk (01380 827291), 12.5% alcoholRueda is one of Spain’s leading white wine regions and as well as sauvignon blanc, the local verdejo grape does well here. wine ice cream onlineThis is rounded and flavoursome with notes of grapefruit, passion fruit and some stony, mineral notes. best wine for 21 day fixMost Wanted Albariño 2014, Rías Baixas, Spain £7.99, TheCo-operative, 12.5% alcoholHere’s a rich expression of the albariño grape, with a nutty almond and fennel edge to the ripe apple and pear fruit flavours. best wine for wine loversDespite the richness, though, it manages to be fresh and dry. red wine brands benefits

WM Morrison Canto Real Verdejo 2014, Rueda, Spain£7.99, Morrisons, 12.5% alcoholVerdejo is the grape variety in Rueda, and this bottle is a rounded yet fresh white with an attractive grassy edge to the lush pear and citrus fruit. buy ice wine in usaTorres Viña Esmerelda 2014, Spain £8.49, Waitrose, Majestic, Tesco, Booths, 11% alcoholThis well-known blend of muscat and gewürztraminer has been made by Torres since 1976. best organic wines in the worldIt’s grapey and fresh with lovely lychee flavours and a hint of sweetness. This is fruity, friendly and full of taste. Martín Códax As Caixas Godello 2014, Rías Baixas, Spain £9.99, Majestic, 13% alcoholGodello is a interesting grape variety grown in the northwest of Spain. This has pleasant focus and weight with bright citrus and pear fruitiness. There’s lots of flavour, but it’s not heavy.

should be an easy thing to pick up and bring to a party—in theory. In reality, the shelves of witty, worldly, and just plain weird labels with descriptions of “chewy tannins,” “fleshy” bodies, and notes of “charcoal” (love me some fresh charcoal!) can leave non-sommeliers (so pretty much everyone who'd be shopping for wine) confused. And then there’s the price. Expensive wine tastes better, right? But are they really that much better?It turns out there are plenty of vinos that taste like a grand cru but —we’re talking no more than $20. From classic French sparklers to obscure yet delicious Serbian reds, these expert-picked bottles will please any crowd without anyone knowing how much you didn’t spend! and may vary depending on where you live. Although it costs only a smidge more than two-buck chuck, this slightly sparkling white packs much more bright citrus flavor. “When you can’t decide between still and sparkling, this is a perfect in-between,” says New York sommelier Courtney Schiessl.

And at this price, it’s a go-to for parties. Little-known wine regions (and often ones with the most confusing names) usually mean great bargains. This wine is dry and delicious with rich peach flavors and just a touch of stoney minerality, Schiessl says. But if none of that really matters to you, choose this bottle for its cute label!  Fritsch Windspiel Grüner Veltliner Never know what to serve with vegetable dishes like asparagus, bitter greens, or artichokes? “Grüner like this is what they drink across Austria,” says sommelier Morgan Harris, “and a whole country can’t be wrong.” He calls this tart, savory sip a “patio pounder.” If you love pinot grigio, you need to try this! 2012 Stock & Stein Riesling Riesling isn’t always super sweet—this German one is proof. With succulent fruit flavors (think tart lemons meet ripe peaches) and mouthwatering acidity, it’s great paired with spicy food, Schiessl says. Just be warned: “This juice is extremely addictive.

My bottle is usually gone far too fast,” she adds. Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre et Maine Most people don’t know what muscadet is, Harris says, so go for the less-expensive stuff, like this wine from Marc Ollivier, one of the greatest producers in Harris’ eyes. It's the perfect pre-meal drink, especially with any sort of raw bar, he says. It ages well too, so go ahead and buy a few bottles. Any extra can always be used for cooking.  2011 Val de Mer Saint-Bris This sauvignon blanc pairs well with spinach dip and goat cheese, so it’s another great one to bring to parties. Full of citrusy flavor, it has a clean, crisp finish to wash down salty snacks. 2013 Handley Pinot Gris Anderson Valley Buy a few rich cheeses, some crackers, and this California white, and the first course (or dinner, why not?) is set. Allison Caruso, tasting room manager for Turley Wine Cellars, describes the taste as “honeydew melon, pineapple, and ripe nectarine flavors meet crisp minerality.”

We're not totally sure what that means, but definitely up for finding out!  2013 San Giovanni Pasini Il Chiaretto Valtenesi Rosé Rosé isn’t just for summer! Fresh bing cherries and tart strawberry flavors mean this Italian wine pairs nicely with just about anything, from white meat and fish to pasta and rice dishes. 2010 Viña Eguia Tempranillo A classic Spanish wine at a rock-bottom price, Caruso says. Vanilla and coconut aromas warm up any winter soirée, and robust red cherry and cranberry flavors are a natural combination with cheese-covered crostini or hearty tapas. 2011 Terre Rouge Tête-a-Tête Forget Napa, this California red blend comes from up-and-coming “gold country”—so enjoy it now while prices are lower. The mix of flavors results in something that could be described as "peppered beef jerky meets cherry pie." Sounds weird, but tastes delish, especially with nutty cheese like Gouda or anything with bacon. 2012 Vietti Barbera d’Alba Tre Vigne

This ruby-hued juice combines aromas of vanilla and violets with a smooth, lingering cherry finish. Pour a glass with hearty salads or soups, or sip on its own. 2012 Anderra Cabernet Sauvignon Having friends over who are super into wine? This bold, spice Chilean wine is from the Rothschild family, which will impress those in-the-know. And with all the rich blackberry and cassis flavors of a classic Bordeaux (but at half the price!), those not in-the-know will enjoy it just as much. It's amazing with appetizers like meatballs or stuffed mushrooms. 2012 Erath Pinot Noir Pinot noir is an easy go-to for holiday gatherings because its light body and fresh flavors make it insanely food-friendly. This vino from one of Oregon’s best producers leads with bright red cherry flavors and tons of earthy notes. Whether you’re sipping sans food or alongside salty party favorites (pigs in a blanket, anyone?), this won’t disappoint. Though Serbia isn’t a country many associate with wine, don't skip this section so fast. 

This pinot noir-ish number offers cranberries and cherries with a hint of spice. Plus, it super food-friendly, even with strong or spicy flavors, Schiessl says. 2011 Assobio Red Quinta dos Murças Portuguese wines make finding a great bottle on a budget easy. No need to remember complicated grape varieties, just know that these red blends are a great option for those who like wines with big fruit flavors. This one has tons of blackberry and black cherry flavors with some bright red fruit too. “Think of it as a merlot or malbec alternative that’s fresh enough to appeal to fans of lighter reds as well,” says Schiessl. Martine et Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Beaujolais Traditionnelle Doesn’t matter if it’s served at a winter potluck or a backyard cookout, this wine is gulpable thanks to tasty raspberry flavors and an incredibly smooth finish. “It won't win any contest for seriousness,” Harris says, and all the better! We say wine should be fun!