Spanish wine majking dates back to the Phoenicians in 1100BC and was heavily exported and traded during the Roman control. In the 17th and 18th Centuries Rioja, Sherry and Malaga were popular despite “Spanish Wine” still being considered poor quality compared to other European Countries. The status of Spanish Wine started changing during the 19th Century when Phylloxera (a louse/aphid) epidemic destroyed crops throughout Europe where many French wine-makers who were put out of business crossed into Spain sharing their knowledge. In the late 1800’s Spain invented and refined the process for Cava, which is a sparkling wine and the Spanish version of the French Champagne, which became popular world-wide. The Country’s switch to fine wines didn’t really occur until the late 20th century, after the Country’s Civil War, leadership change and irrigation laws were lifted and is now one of the major wine producers in the world due to the varied geography across Spain creating over 130 regions! Of these there are eight (8) major regions (Rioja being the most famous) making Spain one of the major wine producers in the world. We are showcasing four (4) wines from Spain this month: 1. Breca - Bodegas Breco, 2. Abarino La Val, 3. Vina Real Crianza - Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (C.V.N.E ) - Viña Real, 4. Saniger Brut Reserva - Loxarel Go to our Instagram or Facebook Page to see our wine sheets for these wines and also to see this months wine selections from South America! #blackbearwines