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The low-quality Airen is the most abundant (white) grape, and the principal variety in central Spain. Garnacha Blanca is also widespread, especially in Catalonia, making full-bodied white wines with a high alcohol content. Other important white varieties are the high-quality Albarino of Galicia, and Verdejo, considered to be one of the best whites in Castilla-Leon. Macabeo (or Viura), Parellada (a very productive, high-quality variety) and Xarel-lo make Cava sparkling wines and are important throughout Catalonia and the Upper Ebro Valley.
The finesse and highly aromatic qualities of Tempranillo make it the star of Spanish red grape varieties. Also known as Ull de Llebre, Cencibel, Tinto Fino, Tinto del Pais and Tinta de Toro, it is a principal variety in Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla-Leon, the Ebro Valley and parts of the Duero Valley and Levante. It may have a common ancestor with the Pinot Noir grape of France. Garnacha Tinta is the most widely-grown red grape, particularly in central Spain, the Ebro Valley and Catalonia. Carinena, which produces robust, well-balanced wines, blends well with Garnacha. It is widely grown in Catalonia and Rioja (where it is known as Mazuelo), but is hardly used in the DO wine of its native region of Carinena. Graciano produces low yields but highly-valued wines under the crianza ageing process - hence its use in Rioja. It is not widespread and is often mixed with other grapes. Classic international varieties are also grown in several areas
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