With interest in Latino and tapas cuisine on the rise, it’s only natural that consumers are starting to take a closer look at Spanish wine.

According to Market Watch magazine, while sales of French wine have dipped and Italian wine has flattened, Spanish wine is experiencing double-digit growth. Spanish wines grew 14 percent in 2004 and Spain represents about 4 percent of all U.S. wine imports.

Part of this can be attributed to the fact that Spanish wineries have started to get a better sense of marketing to U.S. consumers. Another key factor is that Spain’s winemaking methods have been significantly improved with new technology and processes.

Alejandro Gutierrez, a wine buyer for the Whole Foods Markets in San Francisco, told Market Watch, "People once perceived Spanish wines as being dried out and funky, but Spain’s winemaking is being modernized and the wines aren’t as rustic. They’re more compatible with the American palate, which prefers a balanced wine and cleaner fruit profile."

While Rioja is Spain’s traditional red wine region and home of the Tempranillo grape, merchants have begun to discover other areas that produce this flavorful varietal, such as Ribera del Duero and La Mancha.

Florida restaurant group owner Richard Gonzmart recently stated that the wines of Ribera del Duero are "very hot and offer outstanding value," and said the La Mancha region is "coming into its own" thanks to an investment in new technology.

Gonzmart said wines from La Mancha are the best value because they are still relatively undiscovered. He cited the 2001 Vitis Terrarum Tempranillo, priced at around $80 a bottle, as a popular seller among his customer base.

The Priorat region with its Garnacha grape (similar to Grenache) and Rias Baxas, where the white varietal Albarino is grown, are also attracting industry attention. The Priorat, in particular, is acknowledged for trying to differentiate itself by combining New World techniques with Old World vines.

Some noteworthy selections from the Priorat include the 2002 Alvaro Palaciois les Terrasses, a blend of Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignons, and the 2002 Mas Doix Salanques Garnacha.

Several industry experts are focusing on the Garnacha region, praising the wines for having a lovely fruit while also being cheap and versatile. Garnacha wines are typically solid, everyday table wines that work well with spicy Latino cuisines. Among the top sellers from this area are the 2003 Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha and the 2001 Marques de Caceres Crianza.

Rioja, however, is still the signature Spanish wine region, providing a certain comfort level for customers who know the quality and price point they want to buy. The top Spanish import, according to cases sold, is Marques de Caceres, with its 2001 Rioja red.

In second place is Osborne Solaz, offering a Tempranillo blend; and the third largest seller is Torres, with its Sangre de Toro, Vina Sol and Coronas wines.

Other best-selling wines from this region are the Marques de Riscal 2000 Reserva Rioja, Freixenet’s Rene Barbier and Montecillo Rioja.

While the Spanish wine business is mostly about red wines, it should be noted that Freixenet’s Rene Barbier white blend is the top-selling Spanish white wine import. It remains to be seen whether other Spanish white varietals catch on with consumers.

Raise Your Glass is sponsored by Chris Gasbarro’s Fine Wine and Spirits. For more information on wines and upcoming wine events, visit the official website.