Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

One of wine’s great virtues is its diversity. Distinct grapes give different expressions of the wines they make that reflect the terroirs they’re grown in and each year’s growing season.

Spain is the original home of around 400 different wine grapes, including some that have achieved greater fame in foreign lands—Grenache, for example, the pillar of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in France, was likely an emigrant from Spain, where it is known as Garnacha.

Today, about 20 grapes account for the majority of Spanish wine, but winemakers are increasingly looking to more obscure varieties to showcase emerging regions. Here are seven wines, all made from different grapes, that offer fine quality and value.

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HERÈNCIA ALTÉS Terra Alta L’Estel 2016 Score: 92 | $20

WS review: This firm red delivers mineral and sanguine notes that frame a core of plum and licorice flavors, revealing a balance of savory and fruity character. Shows depth, with well-integrated tannins and balsamic acidity. Drink now through 2026. 672 cases imported.—T.M.

Why it’s of note: The Terra Alta region, like its more famous neighbor Priorat, uses mainly Garnacha to make its red wines. The vineyards are planted at high elevations and are subject to strong winds; this allows the grapes to ripen fully without over-ripening. This Herència Altés cuvée blends Garnacha with Cariñena and Syrah, all grown organically.

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BODEGAS OLARRA Rioja Cerro Añon Reserva 2015 Score: 92 | $22

WS review: Cedar and sandalwood notes mingle with flavors of cherry, tobacco, forest floor and licorice in this savory red. Polished and balanced, harmonious and deep. Drink now through 2025. 12,000 cases imported.—T.M.

Why it’s of note: Rioja is Spain’s premier region for red wines, which are dominated by the Tempranillo grape. A versatile variety, it can make ripe, fruit-forward wines, or more supple and savory versions in the traditional style. This Bodegas Olarra wine aged for 20 months in oak barrels, to soften the tannins and harmonize the flavors.

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CASAL DE ARMÁN Ribeiro White Eira dos Mouros 2017 Score: 90 | $17

WS review: This expressive white offers flint and briny notes, with pear and quince flavors, finishing with floral and spice details. Generous and lively. Drink now through 2022. 700 cases imported.—T.M.

Why it’s of note: Ribeiro is located in the cool, hilly region of Galicia in Spain’s northwest. Long neglected, its vineyards are being revived by adventurous vintners, bringing nearly forgotten grapes back to prominence. Here, the local Treixadura grape is the star. Light pressing, a cool fermentation and some lees contact emphasizes the mineral character of this wine from Casal de Armán.

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RAFAEL PALACIOS Godello Valdeorras Louro 2017 Score: 90 | $24

WS review: Peach, quince and lime flavors mingle with notes of lemon cream, heather and grapefruit in this expressive white. The texture is broad, but crisp acidity keeps this focused. Drink now. 1,098 cases imported.—T.M.

Why it’s of note: Valdeorras neighbors Ribeiro but is farther inland, lending more generosity to its wines. Rafael Palacios, nephew to star vintner Álvaro Palacios, has earned his own kudos as arguably the top winemaker in the region. Here, he uses the Godello grape planted on granitic soils to make an intense, harmonious white.

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ETXANIZ TXAKOLINA Getariako Txakolina Txomin Etxaniz 2018 Score: 89 | $22

WS review: This white is crisp and lively, energized by a light spritz and rapier acidity. Grapefruit and sea salt notes accent a core of white peach flavors and accents of fresh herbs. Tartly refreshing. Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported.—T.M.

Why it’s of note: This tongue-twister of a winery, Etxaniz Txakolina, blends two tongue-twisting white grapes called Hondarrabi Zuri and Hondarrabi Beltza to make a light, crisp, briny white with electric acidity and a lively spritz. It comes from the Basque country on Spain’s northwestern coast. This is the oldest estate in the region.

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BODEGAS SAN VALERO Cariñena Particular 2016 Score: 89 | $15

WS review: This round red delivers sweet and savory flavors, with black cherry and blackberry fruit balanced by smoky, licorice and sanguine notes. The tannins are well-integrated, the acidity fresh and lively. Drink now through 2024. 4,503 cases imported.—T.M.

Why it’s of note: Bodegas San Valero, a cooperative winery, was founded in 1944 in the north-central region of Cariñena. The region’s high-altitude vineyards grow mostly Garnacha, but this wine is 100 percent Cariñena, the grape. A long maceration is followed by six months in American oak barrels, giving depth and polish to this earthy, minerally red.

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VICENTE GANDÍA Bobal Utiel-Requena Bo 2016 Score: 87 | $15

WS review: This fresh red offers a round, supple texture. Cherry, leafy and loamy earth flavors mingle over light tannins, kept fresh by orange peel acidity. Harmonious. Drink now through 2022. 2,000 cases imported.—T.M.

Why it’s of note: The Bobal grape is one of Spain’s most widely planted red varieties, but has lingered in obscurity in its home region of Utiel-Requena, near Valencia in southeastern Spain. It generally shows lightly bitter and sanguine notes, like this example from Vicente Gandía.

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

Tempranillo is the world’s third-most widely planted red winegrape; it trails only Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Yet unlike its two competitors, Tempranillo rarely appears on a wine label. In fact, the grape goes under so many aliases (Tinto Roriz, Ull de Liebre, Cencibel …) you might be forgiven for thinking it’s trying to hide its popularity.

Fortunately, it’s not hard to track down Tempranillo-based wines. Most of them, and almost all of the best, come from Spain. The grape reaches its peak in red wines from Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Toro. But versions from elsewhere in the country can deliver different character and good value. Here are some recently reviewed Tempranillo-based reds from Spain that are worth seeking out—all under $30.

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BODEGAS BALBAS Ribera del Duero Crianza 2016 Score: 92 | $28

WS Review: Cocoa and sandalwood notes frame currant, wild berry, toast and mineral flavors in this expressive red. Dense but remains lively and fresh, with a floral finish. Drink now through 2028. 18,000 cases made.—T.M.

Why It’s of Note: Ribera del Duero, in central Spain, has been a wine region for centuries, but only emerged on the world stage in the 1980s. The Balbas family, which dates its grapegrowing heritage to the 18th century, has been a leader. Their crianza is made from estate-grown fruit, 90 percent Tempranillo and 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 18 months in French oak barrels.

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BODEGAS Y VIÑEDOS VIÑA MAYOR Tempranillo Ribera del Duero Reserva 2014 Score: 91 | $29

WS Review: This firm red shows a balanced mix of fruit and savory notes, with black cherry and plum flavors playing off herbal and loamy earth details. Well-integrated tannins and smoky acidity keep this focused. Drink now through 2029. 4,000 cases imported.—T.M.

Why It’s of Note: Viña Mayor was founded in 1986, among the first wave to follow the official creation of the region as a Denominación de Origen in 1982. The reserva is 100 percent Tempranillo matured in a mix of French and American oak barrels. The cool 2014 vintage gives the wine a savory character.

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BODEGAS RESALTE DE PEÑAFIEL Ribera del Duero Vendimia Seleccionada 2016 Score: 91 | $20

WS Review: This chewy red delivers black cherry, plum and licorice flavors in a dense texture, with firm tannins balanced by lively acidity. Exuberant, yet remains harmonious. Best from 2020 through 2030. 1,040 cases imported.—T.M.

Why It’s of Note: Resalte de Peñafiel is a relative newcomer to the region, founded in 2000. Its state-of-the-art winery features gravity flow and fermentation tanks keyed to specific vineyards. This bottling sees six months of aging in large French oak barrels.

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VIÑA BUJANDA Rioja Crianza 2015 Score: 90 | $15

WS Review: This lithe red is bright and energetic. Fresh cherry and red plum flavors mingle with leafy, licorice and vanilla notes, backed by light tannins and tangerine acidity. Supple and graceful. Drink now through 2025. 5,000 cases imported.—T.M.

Why It’s of Note: The Bujanda family has been making wines in Rioja since 1889. This winery, founded in 2009, owns 300 acres of small vineyard parcels located in both the Alavesa and Alta subregions. The crianza bottling is made with 100 percent Tempranillo, aged 12 months in a mix of American oak (traditional for the region) as well as French oak barrels.

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TOBELOS BODEGAS Y VIÑEDOS Rioja Crianza 2014 Score: 90 | $19

WS Review: Smoky and herbal flavors wreathe cherry, licorice, tea and mineral notes in this lively red. The supple tannins are well-integrated, and orange peel acidity keeps this fresh. Drink now through 2028. 600 cases imported.—T.M.

Why It’s of Note: Rioja is a region in transition, with new wineries and new approaches to winemaking contributing to innovation and development. Tobelos, founded at the turn of the recent century, is an avant-garde winery helmed by winemaker Adriana Laucirica. Yet the wines remain recognizably Rioja in style; the crianza is 100 percent Tempranillo from old vines, aged in a mix of oak to deliver a supple, lively wine.

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VOLVER La Mancha Single Vineyard 2016 Score: 90 | $17

WS Review: This plush red offers bold flavors of blackberry, currant, cocoa and espresso, with well-integrated tannins and sweet-tart acidity. Generous, fruity and fresh, in the modern style. Drink now through 2026. 5,000 cases imported.—T.M.

Why It’s of Note: Rafael Cañizares founded Volver in 2004 with the goal of recuperating old vineyards in undervalued regions of Spain. His family has been growing grapes in the central region of La Mancha for four generations. This bottling comes from Finca Los Juncares, a 60-acre Tempranillo vineyard planted in 1957. The wine is aged in new French oak barrels for 15 months.

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

Spain has the largest vineyard area of any country in the world, and many indigenous grapes to work with. Given the diversity of terroir, climate and raw material, its wines offer a variety of styles. Here is a sampling of wines, all rated 90 points or higher, from regions around the country.

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ABADIA RETUERTA Viño de la Tierra de Castilla y León Selección Especial Sardon de Duero 2015 Score: 93 | $32

WS Review: Rich and dense, this red shows a brooding character, with woodsy and loamy earth notes framing a core of currant and tar. Muscular tannins are well-integrated, and juicy acidity keeps this lively. Harmonious. Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Drink now through 2030. 5,000 cases imported.—T.M.

Why It’s of Note: The Abadia Retuerta property is centered on a medieval monastery that has been repurposed into an ambitious winery and a luxury hotel. Their Selección Especial is a blend of the indigenous Tempranillo with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. It has earned spots in Wine Spectator‘s Top 100 Wines numerous times.

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BODEGAS JUAN GIL Jumilla Blue Label 2015 Score: 92 | $35

WS Review: This red has density and polish, in the modern style. Cocoa and spice flavors mingle with blackberry and currant fruit, backed by well-integrated tannins and balsamic acidity. Plush and harmonious. Drink now through 2025. 1,250 cases imported.—T.M.

Why It’s of Note: The Gil family has expanded aggressively with bodegas in many regions of Spain, but Jumilla, in the southeast, is their home. Their Blue Label cuvée is based on Monastrell (known as Mourvèdre in France), blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. It’s rich and fruit-driven.

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COTO DE GOMARIZ Ribeiro White The Flower and the Bee 2017 Score: 92 | $17

WS Review: This bold white offers an alluring mix of fruit and savory notes. Quince and guava flavors mingle with herbal, toasty and mineral elements. Bold but light-footed, kept lively by tangerine acidity. Expressive. Treixadura. Drink now through 2023. 600 cases imported.—T.M.

Why It’s of Note: Galicia, in Spain’s cool, damp northwestern corner, is making some of the country’s most exciting wines. They are generally more supple and savory than wines from the sun-drenched interior of the country. Ribeiro is an ancient but long-neglected region now making elegant whites from the native Treixadura grape. The wines, like this one from Coto de Gomariz, show an energetic profile, with vibrant acidity carrying the savory flavors.

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EDETRIA Garnatxa Blanca Terra Alta Via Terra 2017 Score: 91 | $15

WS Review: This white has a thick texture, delivering pear, guava, tarragon and blanched almond flavors. Firm acidity and a touch of tannins give this a solid frame. Muscular, but remains balanced. Drink now through 2023. 1,800 cases imported.—T.M.

Why It’s of Note: Terra Alta lies just west of Priorat, its more famous neighbor, but grows many of the same grapes, like Garnacha for reds and Garnacha Blanca for whites. The family-owned Edetària winery is the region’s leader, making wines that balance concentration with focus and finesse.

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BODEGAS VALDUBÓN Ribera del Duero Reserva 2014 Score: 91 | $24

WS Review: This old-school red shows a savory character, featuring black olive, soy and forest floor notes, a core of black cherry flavors and lively accents of orange peel, spice and smoke. Rich but smooth, with a fresh finish. Drink now through 2026. 500 cases imported.—T.M.

Why It’s of Note: Bodegas Valdubón is an estate owned by the Freixenet company, which is most famous for its sparkling Cavas. Located in Ribera del Duero, Valdubón makes sturdy, balanced reds from the Tempranillo grape. The reservas have a consistent track record, delivering very good to outstanding quality at very fair prices.

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BODEGAS LACORT Rioja Mariano J. Crianza 2015 Score: 90 | $15

WS Review: This red is thick and velvety, with a core of crushed blackberry flavors framed by coffee, licorice and gamy notes. Well-integrated tannins and juicy acidity keep this focused. Drink now through 2027. 1,000 cases imported.—T.M.

Why It’s of Note: Bodegas Lacort is among Rioja’s oldest producers, but maintains a modest profile and makes wines that strike a balance between traditional elegance and modern concentration. This crianza hits the sweet spot, thanks partly to the favorable 2015 vintage, and offers terrific value.

Tasting Highlights’ wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors’ most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.

Spain has long been a reliable source of excellent wines at reasonable prices, exemplified by these 10 picks from diverse regions made in varied styles, all for $30 or less.

Only about 20 percent of Spain’s wine production is white, but these wines are appealing both for their food-friendly character and their value. Here, you’ll find three whites made from the Albariño grape, which thrives in the Rias Baixas region of northwestern Spain. These generally show bright flavors of peach and citrus with a balancing briny note.

Xarel-lo is a white grape most often used in the blends for sparkling Cava, but is increasingly being bottled as a still wine. This version, from Fermí Bohigas, is fresh and focused.

Reds from Rioja are consistent winners, offering balanced, accessible structures and a mix of fruit and savory herbal flavors. Wines labeled crianza have had enough aging, both in oak barrels and in bottle, to be lovely and approachable on release. The two examples here are from 2015, a very successful vintage.

I was very taken by the rosado from Carlos Serres, a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, which presents a light, refreshing style. At $11 and 88 points, it’s a steal.

BOUZA DO REI Albariño Rias Baixas Gran Selección 2016 Score: 92 | $30
This round white shows a silky texture that caresses the palate, while firm acidity gives this underlying grip. Peach, lemon curd and light vanilla flavors are harmonious and fresh. Graceful and stylish. Drink now through 2022. 5,000 cases imported.—T.M.

EL COTO DE RIOJA Garnacha Rioja Crianza 2015 Score: 91 | $18
Cherry and raspberry fruit sing in this generous red, while subtle leafy and vanilla accents add interest. Lively acidity and light tannins give this balance. Tender and exuberant. Drink now through 2023. 450 cases imported.—T.M.

QUINTA COUSELO Albariño Rias Baixas Turonia 2017 Score: 91 | $22
Flinty and briny notes give this firm white a distinctly mineral character. Peach and ginger details and leesy flavors fill this out. Quite rich, but remains balanced and energetic. Drink now through 2023. 1,000 cases imported.—T.M.

BUIL & GINÉ Priorat Giné Giné 2016 Score: 90 | $26
This red is dense yet lively, with floral and smoke notes that frame bright cherry and red plum flavors, backed by mineral, licorice and garrigue details. Bright acidity enlivens the silky texture, supported by well-integrated tannins. Cariñena and Garnacha. Drink now through 2028. 3,500 cases imported.—T.M.

BODEGAS TIONIO Ribera del Duero Crianza 2015 Score: 90 | $24
Cocoa, clove and toasty notes frame black cherry and cranberry flavors in this lively red. Racy acidity and light, firm tannins give this a vibrant structure. Not muscular, but has energy, with a minerally and floral finish. Drink now through 2025. 1,000 cases imported.—T.M.

BODEGAS VALDELACIERVA Rioja Crianza 2015 Score: 90 | $19
This red has depth and focus, with plum, currant, espresso and loamy earth flavors mingling over firm, well-integrated acidity, lifted by balsamic acidity. Shows grip, but remains balanced. Drink now through 2027. 1,000 cases imported.—T.M.

BODEGAS PAZO DE BARRANTES Albariño Rias Baixas 2017 Score: 89 | $20
This expressive white delivers peach, lychee and orange blossom flavors in a silky texture supported by lemony acidity. A touch of salinity grounds the finish nicely. Drink now. 2,101 cases imported.—T.M.

FERMÍ BOHIGAS Xarel-lo Catalunya 2017 Score: 88 | $12
This white is round and fruity, while crisp acidity keeps this lively. Offers peach and tangerine flavors, with light herbal and briny notes. Fresh and focused. Drink now. 1,800 cases imported.—T.M.

BODEGAS FRANCO-ESPAÑOLAS Rioja Bordón Crianza 2015 Score: 88 | $15
This plump red offers cherry, licorice, smoky and leafy flavors, with light tannins and orange peel acidity. Balanced, lively and fresh. Drink now through 2023. 2,400 cases imported.—T.M.

BODEGAS CARLOS SERRES Tempranillo-Garnacha Rioja Rosé 2017 Score: 88 | $11
This pale, dry rosé offers berry, spice and leaf notes in a silky but fresh texture. Lively, with savory elements that add an extra dimension. Drink now. 560 cases imported.—T.M.