Spanish wines are a well-known and especially unmissable part of Spanish cuisine. Spain is the largest wine country in the world! Although it is only the third largest producer of wine, this is due to the climate and the low yield of wine. The drought that prevails is Spain is a big problem, also because irrigation of vineyards is prohibited. Over the years, Spain has managed to distinguish itself with ´mundial´ wines as small-scale wines in addition to the famous sweet wines like Sherry and Malaga.

History

During the time of the Romans, the first vines were planted after a conquest 200 BC. After the fall the Roman Empire, things went downhill with the Spanish wine regions. In the Middle Ages, it was the monks who breathed new life into viticulture. During the century, this spread to all of Spain. The Spanish produced alcoholic Spanish red wines and produced white wines oxidatively (under large amount of oxygen) due to lack of knowledge. In the ^19th century, Spain gained international fame for their sweet wines such as Sherry and Malaga. Only at the end of this century did the first red Spanish wine called the Rioja wine emerge. Around 1900, the production of sparkling wines ("bubbly wines") took off in Catalonia called Cava, which would go on to bring worldwide success. With the restoration of democracy and accession to the European Union, Spain began to modernize in winemaking. Today, this is visible and small traditional Spanish farms are being bought up by large companies in order to increase their market share.

Climate

Because Spain has a large surface area there is also a lot of difference in its climate. In the mountains inland where muggy summers but also icy cold winters take place in contrast to the south where long hot summer temperatures can reach as high as 40˚C. As mentioned, drought is a common problem in Spain, especially since irrigation of vineyards is prohibited. This causes the low number of vines per hectare which results in lower yields than in the rest of Europe.

Spanish label

Spanish wines all have a controlled designation of origin, a denominación de origen (DO). There are now about 60 different DOs (place of viticulture). Rioja has the status of denominación de origen calificada (DOC) as does the Priorat. A special council (consejo regulador) oversees compliance with the DO´s rules. Each brand uses its own logo.The designation varies according to the maturity period into which type of category the wine falls: Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva, Jovén (young).

Spanish wine regions

Spain has many different Spanish wine regions, however, most are located in the north and east of the country. La Mancha is the largest wine region in the world and is located south of Madrid. Spanish wine bars can also be found all over the country. Of course, there are more Spanish wine regions but these are the best known and most important of Spain in a row.

Rioja

Rioja borders Navarre. With Spanish Rioja wine, they focus more on rosado (rosé) than reds because they have a reputation to uphold. This area also allows foreign grape varieties unlike other areas.

Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero is one of the fastest emerging wine regions in Spain, founder of the most legendary wine Vega Sicilia. Most wine in this area is red and made from tempranillo (type of grape).

Somontano

A fairly small new area at the foot of the Pyrenees where everything is done in a hyper-modern way. The area is also called the new world. Spanish white and red wines are made here but are also worthwhile.

Rias Baixas and Rueda

In Rias Baixas, the wines are made from the albariño, a very pricey grape that also raises the price of wine significantly. In Rueda, however, prices are somewhat lower with still good quality.

Central Spain and the Levant

Emphasizing Spain's largest wine region, La Mancha. Until recently, they produced here mostly Spanish white wines from the airén grapes. In the future, more normal table wines, both white and red, will be added. The southern part of La Mancha (Valdepeñas) has its own DO and specializes in Spanish red wines.

Catalonia

The region around Barcelona has been one of the most important wine producers since Roman times. Surely the most famous wine is Cava, a sparkling wine made in the manner of champagne. The town of San Sadurni de Anoia is surely the Cava center.

Jerez

Jerez, also called Sherry is a special wine. It all starts with a normal white Spanish wine made from palomino grapes. The wind from the sea cools it and the young wine gets an alcohol content between 15 and 18%. Sherry has to age for a long time and during the aging process the wine barrel is topped up with younger wines so the Sherry is a mix of different vintages. This creates the delicious taste.

The Spanish monarchy, like the Netherlands, has a royal family. Spain's current King Juan Carlos was born in exile because there was a civil war going on from 1936-1939. Spain experienced a period of dictatorship under General Francisco Franco after the civil war from 1939-1975. After Francisco Franco, Juan Carlos came to power, and to this day he is the king of Spain.

The King of Spain Juan Carlos lives with Queen Sofia in their palace, Palacio de la Zarzuela, in northern Madrid. Juan Carlos never wanted a dictatorship like Franco, which is why he restored democracy to Spain. In 1981, Juan Carlos gained much respect by preventing a military coup. Since then, all Spaniards have been proud of their king.

The Spanish royal family of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia consists of three children (Infanta Elena (1963), Infanta Cristina (1965) and Crown Prince Felipe (1968)) and eight grandchildren. Felipe is crown prince because a man has priority over a woman for the throne. However, this will change in the future since the crown prince, together with Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, already has two daughters (Infanta Leonor and Infanta Sofia).

Spain's Crown Prince Felipe had a few bad relationships before he was engaged to television journalist Letizia. However, this is the first time in Spain that a commoner girl has married a future Spanish king and she will become Queen of Spain. Princess Letizia is also known for her fashion-conscious clothing style and her always unusual shoes. Inside the Royal Family, Infanta Elena has been divorced for several years, but has two children (Felipe Juan and Victoria Federica) with her ex-husband. Infanta Cristina is married to Iñaki Urdangarin Liebaeert, together they have four children (Valentin, Pablo Nicolas, Miguel and Irene).

There are many National Holidays in Spain. For starters, nearly 96% of Spain's population is Roman Catholic; the rest are Protestant, Muslim or Jewish. Because so many Spaniards are Catholic, Catholic holidays are always celebrated Nationally. It is a celebration of everyone and for everyone. Below are a few examples of the best known Spanish National holidays, of course there are many more but it varies by region.

January 1 - New Year's Day (Año Nuevo)

New Year's Day in Spain, as in many other countries, is a day off. This is where the beginning of the New Year is celebrated and families gather to talk about the past year and their good intentions for the coming year. The night before on Dec. 31, Spaniards eat one grape at each stroke of the clock at midnight. According to tradition, this is said to bring good luck for the coming year.

January 6 - Epiphany (Reyes Magos)

On January 6, Spaniards commemorate the journey of the three Wise Men in search of the son of God. About a week before Christmas when everything is already in the Christmas spirit, children write letters to the three Wise Men expressing their wishes for January 6. Children receive gifts from the "Three Wise Men" on January 6. It is similar to Sinterklaas in the Netherlands.

April 8/9 - Easter (Pascua)

At Easter, Christians celebrate that Jesus rose from the dead. Easter lasts two days, a Sunday (Easter Sunday/1st Easter Day) and a Monday (Easter Monday/2nd Easter Day). The Friday before Easter is called Good Friday to commemorate the death of Jesus. The Sunday before Easter (April 1) is also called Easter Sunday (Domingo Ramos). On this day, the children go to church in their newest clothes where they are given palm branches. With these palm branches, the children walk through the city to commemorate Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. At the end of the day, the children give their palm branches to their grandparents in exchange for candy.

May 17 - Ascension Day (Ascensión)

The fortieth day after Jesus rose from the tomb, Christians celebrate Jesus being transferred to heaven to become the right hand of God. This is a day off in Spain, and many other countries.

May 27/28 - Pentecost (Pentecostés)

On Pentecost, Christians in Spain commemorate the descent of Jesus on his apostles and therefore the birth of the Catholic Church.

August 15 - Assumption of Mary (Asuncion de la Virgen)

On this day people celebrate the ascension of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary did not ascend by herself but was helped by God Himself. This is a national holiday in Spain.

October 12 - Spanish National Holiday (Día de la Hispanidad)

This celebrates the discovery of America by Columbus in 1492. The biggest celebration takes place in Madrid including bullfighting and parades. The whole country is free on this day.

November 1 - All Saints' Day (Todos los Santos)

With All Saints' Day, all the saints of the Roman Catholic Church are honored and commemorated together. In America, this is similar to Halloween.

December 6 - Constitution Day (Día de contitución Española)

Constitution Day, on December 6 in 1978 92% of the population voted for a new constitution. Since then, Spain has had a new constitution and a new Royal House.

December 8 - Mary's Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción)

On December 8, Mary received an immaculate soul. Mary now had a purifying soul because she gave birth to Jesus Christ. Because of this, she obtained a special status.

December 24/25 - Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) Christmas Day (Día de Navidad)

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. This is a family celebration and everyone has a sumptuous Christmas meal before going to church for midnight Mass. This special midnight mass is also called "La misma del Gallo." Gallo means rooster in Spanish, this is because a rooster announced the life of Jesus Christ.

Often foreigners have doubts or hesitations when they greet or meet someone in Spain. Should they give a kiss on the cheek? Is it appropriate to give hugs? It is very usual to have these kind of questions when you first get to know a country or culture.

Different countries, different traditions

Latin American greetings traditions

Both in Latin America and in Spain greetings are generally handshaking and on informal occasions kissing on the cheek, even among strangers. In Colombia the usual greeting among men is a handshake. Women, however, prefer a verbal greeting or kiss on the cheek. The greeting in Argentina in most cases is a single kiss on the cheek even among men, although it depends on the degree of familiarity. In Mexico, for example, the greeting between two men is limited to a handshake.

Spanish greetings traditions

In Spain, it is advisable to distinguish formal situations from informal ones. The greeting with a kiss is seen among people who have a close or family relationship: between parents and children, close friends etc. Men do not often greet each other with kisses unless they have a family relationship instead they rather shake hands. It's not often give hugs when introduced to someone, this is available for people who maintain a close relationship as friends or family. Between friends, in addition to hugging often accompanies with a pat on the back.

For verbal greeting, “¡Hola!” is used as a valid and neutral greeting almost any occasion yet on formal occasions, it will be more correct to use expressions like “¡Buenos días!”, “¡Buenas tardes!” and “¡Buenas noches!” which also can be used to say goodbye. On informal occasions, there are a variety of expressions like: ¿Qué pasa?, “¡Buenas!”. If you are introduced to someone new, you can say Encantado/a or Mucho gusto. And while saying goodbye generally these expressions are used“¡Hasta luego!” , “¡Nos vemos! or simply" Chao! ".

After a while you get used to both customs and the culture and there is no reason to hesitate to do the right gesture as Spanish people are very welcoming and warm. However, if you are still in doubt, you can wait for the first move and do what the other person does. Bear in mind that best things in life happen at the hellos and goodbyes!

Vocabulary set

Here is a small list of Spanish vocabulary used at greetings and farewells:

There are many Spanish Sayings, which can also be found in Dutch (part of a sentence, to clarify a situation), below you will find some well-known ones.

"Afición, ciega razón" 
"Amateur, blind reason."

"Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres." 
"Tell me who you hang out with and I'll tell you who you are."

"Si no hay pan, no hay pan" 
"No bread, no bread."

"Las apariencias engañan"
"Appearances can be deceiving."

"Al buen callar llaman Sancho"
"Good silence is called Sancho."

"Mi casa y mi hogar cien doblas val." 
"My house and my home a hundredfold val."

"Quien fía o promete, en deuda se mete." 
"Who trusts or promises, gets into debt."

"Quien mal intenta, pagará la cuenta" 
"Whoever tries wrong will pay the bill."

"Mientras haya vida, habrá esperanza" 
"As long as there is life, there is hope."

“Nunca es tarde si la dicha es buena”
“It's never too late if it's too late.”

“Dame pan y dime tonto.”
“Give me bread and call me a fool.”

“Solo se vive una vez.”
“You only live once.”

“El mundo es un pañuelo.”
“The world is a handkerchief.”

“Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando.”
“A bird in the hand is better than a hundred in the air..”

There are many international celebrities Spanish from writer to singer to architect the Formula One driver. Below-Pair A Whole known, of course, uh, of course, many more.

Film director
Pedro Almodóvar, born Sept. 24, 1951, is a very well-known film director in Spain. Pedro has won many Grammy awards with his Spanish-language films. Pedro often brought to light difficult themes in his films such as prostitution, homosexuality, drug abuse and abuses in the Catholic Church. 

Architect
Antoni Gaudí, two words, Sagrada Familia, who does not know it or has never heard of it. Gaudí is considered the founder of organic architecture. Gaudí died from a train accident near his Sagrada Familia where he was every day and followed everything closely about developments in construction. Today, work on the Sagrada Familia is still going on, and it is predicted to be finally finished in 2026.

Artist
Pablo Picasso, October 25, 1881 - April 8, 1973, was a Spanish draughtsman, painter, graphic artist , sculptor and ceramicist. He was one of the most famous Spanish painters. Picasso's best-known work was the nearly 4-meter-long painting called Guernica.

Formula 1
Fernando Alonso, born July 29, 1981, is a two-time Formula One world champion. He became the youngest ever world champion on Sept. 25, 2005! Alonso caused amazement by the high speed at which he entered his races and usually won.

Actor and actress
A famous Spanish actor is definitely Antonio Banderas with his sultry eyes. A famous Spanish actress is without a doubt Penélope Cruz.

Footballers
We can almost say that almost the entire Spanish national soccer team is well-known. Surely the most famous are Iker Casillas, Raúl, Carles Puyol, Fernando Torres, David Villa and Gerard Piqué. Famous and infamous among the Dutch.

Singers
Julio Iglesias, first soccer player and un one of Spain's best-selling Spanish singers. And father of the famous Enrique Iglesias who makes many hearts beat faster. In the opera world Plácido Domingo is a household name, he has sung with Pavoratti, among others, and he is still active today.

Writer
Surely the most famous and important Spanish writer is Miguel de Cervantes. Author of the novel "Don Quijote de la Mancha"( The ingenious nobleman Don Quixote of La Mancha). The book is one of the first novels written in a modern European language. The story tells the travel adventures of an old nobleman who thinks he is a knight (Don Quixote- idealist and a foolish hero) Cervantes was also the author of about 20 plays. 

Tennis player
Rafael Nadal, born June 3, 1986, is Spain's best Spanish tennis player. Currently, Rafael is ranked No. 2 in the world according to the ATP (Novak Djokovic is No. 1). His nickname is the King of Gravel, he owes this to his many victories on this surface.

There is some controversy about whether or not this story is true and a quick Internet search reveals all kinds of arguments, but, we think it is interesting and worth a mention.

According to a group of archaeologists, 1,100 year old Mayan ruins have been discovered at Track Rock Gap, near Georgia´s tallest mountain. Investigators believe that 154 stone masonry walls are visible, used for creating agricultural terraces, as well as other stone structures. The Mayans are known for having implemented advanced irrigation systems, adapting to difficult terrains. Some believe that the site could, in fact, be the lost city of Yupaha, which Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto failed to find on an expedition in 1540.

Some theorize that the Mayans made the move north around 800 AD, when the once flourishing population began to collapse due to volcanic eruptions, wars and extreme drought. In fact, strong similarities in architectural forms of towns along southern Mexico and southeastern USA have documented and some agronomists believe that corn, beans and tobacco was introduced to the Native Americans from those who migrated north from Mexico.

Despite all these theories, no ruins have ever been found in the US that have been attributed to people who originated in what today is Mexico. Although, many point out that Native American tribes such as the Creeks, Alabamas, Natchez, Chitmachas and Choctaws may be descendants of southern indigenous groups and particularly point out the use of Mesoamerican words in the Creek Indian language, for example.

The mystery remains: Where did the Mayans go? Archaeologists know that the Mayan civilization suffered a rapid collapse and for 170 years they have debated what exactly happened to the vast number of people that once thrived in the area. Mass immigration has been hard to prove and many archeologists have concluded that the Mayans simply died in masse.

However, in the Georgian Mountains there has always been “evidence”. Ruins found around the state were usually attributed to the Cherokee Indians, who denied having created the circular structures and wall terraces on the mountaintops and mountainsides. In the mid-20^th Century, modernization in Georgia led to little conservation of these “Indian” mounds and stone structures, most being swept away to give way to highways and other construction projects. It wasn’t until the late 20^th century that the state took at active role in trying to conserve this part of its history, the most famous site being the ruins of Fort Mountain State Park.

In 1999, an archaeologist named Mark Williams from the University of Georgia led a group to study the southeastern side of Brasstown Bald. The ruins survived reveal a massive 5 sided pyramidal mound, possibly dating back to 900 AD, partially sculpted out of an existing hill with clay. Of all the indigenous tribes of the Americas, only the Itza Mayas and the Creek Indian ancestors have been known to build 5-sided earth pyramids as their principal mounds, and dozens of similar structures can be found in Central America.

Other reasons to suspect a Mayan presence in the area can be found on early maps of the area. The name “Itsate” can be found. “Itsate” is the name that the Itza Mayans used to call themselves.

An archaeological survey by Loubser’s firm surveyed the area and is said to have done soil dating which estimated that some of the shards were made around 760 AD – 850 AD, around the time that the Mayan population plummeted. The study offered no firm conclusions, but did state that examples of similar sites only exist in the Maya Highlands of South America.

Is Track Rock Gap the “missing link” that archaeologists and architects had been seeking since 1841? Did the Mayas make their way North and establish new cities? There are many debates… If the site does prove specific links between the Southeastern Native Americas and the ancient Mayans, then, according to Thornton, this could be the “most important archeological discovery in recent times.”

Everywhere you go in the world New Year's Eve is typically the biggest night out on the calendar and in Salamanca, a city renowned for the quality of its nightlife, this is no exception. However, it seems a bit odd to ring in a New Year with all the typical fanfare and celebrations in the middle of December, just as students at Salamanca's University do every year.

Even though actual New Year is still more than two weeks away, it is tradition that students from the university and beyond gather in Salamanca on the 15^th of December for one huge fiesta to celebrate before everyone goes home for Christmas. How huge? Try upwards of 30,000 people crammed into the city's spectacular renaissance Plaza Mayor. Just look at the pictures to get an idea of the atmosphere.

Seeing as my time left in Salamanca is now limited to just a few more days, I couldn't possibly miss out on experiencing la Nochevieja Universitaria. Even walking around the city during the day you could notice that the atmosphere was different with large happy groups of students gathering around and watching as a huge stage was being set up on Plaza Mayor. La Nochevieja Universitaria is a renowned event across the whole of Spain and Portugal with lots of universities organising big trips that descend on Salamanca for just one night to then leave, slightly worse for wear the next morning.

By 11pm the Plaza Mayor was already packed with people dancing away to what was quite possibly the best and only techno/electro violin player I will ever see live. Then an hour later it was time for the big countdown. Tradition in Spain dictates that at proper New Year (i.e. December 31^st) you should eat a grape every time the clock chimes at midnight. However, at la Nochevieja Universitaria eating grapes is considered bad luck and sweets are used as a substitute. Consequently, watching the concentration on the faces of 30,000 plus people intent on stuffing their mouths with sweets in order to keep up with the chiming clock was entertaining to watch to say the least.

After the countdown the Plaza gradually empties and people pour into the surrounding bars and clubs for what is undoubtedly one of their busiest nights of the year. As is typical of Spanish nights out, the night doesn't actually end until well into the day after and walking to work there were still people (clearly they are the ones with stamina who know how to pace themselves) outside some clubs and on the streets. A fantastic if slightly bizarre experience, I don't quite know what else to say except...

¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

Pictures of the new 2011 green and red lighting in Salamanca's world famous Plaza Mayor:

When most people think of the greatest Spanish contributions to the world, perhaps the most immediate things to spring to mind are flamenco music, tapas, and siestas. The Spaniards are not famed for the inventors. Painters, writers and poets perhaps; but it is a little known fact that Spain is responsible for some incredibly important, and some rather wacky innovations. Here is a rundown of 10 of the most significant and some of the most unusual inventions to come from Spain:

1. Chupa Chups- The famous lollipops that line cash registers across the world were initially created by the Catalonian Enric Bernat in 1958. An idea that sprung from seeing a child being told off for making a mess when eating sweets, evolved into an internationally, booming company. By simply placing a stick in a sweet, Bernat revolutionized the sweet world!

2. Mop- The first mop was invented by aeronautical engineer, Manuel Jalon Corominas, and his friend Emilio Bellvis, both worked to create the first mop and bucket. Although there is some dispute as to which of the two claimed the initial idea.

3. The Submarine- The first combustion-powered prototypes created date back to 1859, belonged to the Catalonian Narciso Monturiol, who designed a manually propelled submarine known as the Ictíneo I. Isaac Peral was a fellow Spaniard who also revolutionized submarine navigation using electrical energy.

4. The Beret- While everyone associates berets with the typical French stereotype, in fact its origins are Spanish! Shepherds in the northern Basque country were the first people to wear them, and they are still very common to this day!

5. Cigarette- Although tobacco is native to America, cigarettes are a Spanish invention, that emerged when beggars began to collect any tobacco waste and wrap it up in thin sheets of paper to smoke. By 1825, cigarettes were being packaged and marketed, with the first packs being manufactured in 1833.

6. Chess- A claim that is sometimes disputed, but it is widely believed that the origin of one of the world’s most played games is Spanish. It is claimed that Valencia is responsible for the origins of the modern game, with radical rules created that evolved from ancient games

7. Molotov cocktail- this improvised incendiary device was first used in the Spanish Civil War. Franco ordered Spanish Nationalists to use the easily made bombs as a weapon in fighting against the Soviet Union, who were supporting the Republicans.

8. Autogyro- a type of rotorcraft invented by Spanish engineer Juan de la Cierva, who wanted to create an aircraft that could safely fly at slow speeds.

9. Table Football- the first patent for the games belongs to Alejandro Finisterre, who credits his friend Francisco Javier Altuna with the invention. However there has been dispute over this claim, with some stating that it belongs to a Brit.

10. Coca-Cola- the citizens of Ayelo de Malferit, near Valencia, claim that the famous drink actually originates from them. Juan Mica claims that his family were the first to invent the drink, called Nuez de Kola Coca’, which he then took to the US and sold the recipe. However this claim is still shrouded in dispute.

While some of the array of Spanish inventions are disputed, whether it’s famous lollipops, clean floors or groundbreaking developments in rotorcrafts, Spain has definitely provided the world with some undeniably useful inventions.

Yesterday marked the first day of the fantastic ‘The Hermitage in the Prado’, the biggest cultural project yet between Spain and Russia.

The exhibition which comprises of 120 works from the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, offers a broad display of the museum’s diverse art- spanning from artefacts created in the 4th & 5th century BC to 20th century paintings.

El Prado is the first museum outside of Russia to ever host such an exhibition, which is said to represent the pride and glory of Russia’s cultural heritage.

The exhibition is in fact the second half of a close partnership between the two museums. From February to May of this year, the Hermitage ran an exhibition showcasing some of the Spanish museum’s most celebrated works- including paintings of Goya and El Greco. The exhibition, 'The Prado in the Hermitage' was the most successful exhibition the museums has ever held, receiving more than 600,000 visitors. The partnership is part of a vast range of fascinating events and cultural exchanges that have been organised for the ‘Año Dual España-Rusia’ (see video below). Some of the events that have already taken place include cultural debates in Barcelona, Russian ballet in Madrid, art deco in Salamanca, flamenco dancing in Moscow and many more.

The Prado’s exhibition will run until the 25th March 2012, and not only is it showcasing some of Russia’s most celebrated artwork, but there will be also be some famous Spanish painters’ artwork temporarily returning home, including works by Pablo Picasso (see left), José de Ribera and Diego Velazquez.

With so much artistic diversity on display, the exhibition is set to be extremely popular, so too will the recent decision, that from the 16th January, the Prado will open every day of the week, no longer closing on Mondays, giving visitors chance to explore the depth of the Prado's extensive collection any day they wish!