LEADING celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has hailed Spanish wine as one of the world’s best kept secrets – before revealing his favourite region on the Iberian peninsula for food and drink.

“Spanish wines have been one of the hidden gems of the world for years,” the sweary Scottish cook, 59, told Esquire in an interview.

“They don’t need to shout about it or show off – you only have to look at the label and it tells you everything.”

Ramsay, who has been awarded 17 prestigious Michelin stars worldwide, even revealed how his affection for Spanish vino inspired an unconventional birthday bash with a well-known pal.

“Last year, for my friend David Beckham’s birthday, we went with our wives to Vega Sicilia,” he said, referring to Spain’s most prestigious and historic wine estate, located in the Ribera del Duero region.

“We went just for a day, to stroll through the vineyards and do a tasting. Then we sang Happy Birthday to David and flew back to London. That was my highlight with Spanish wine – it was absolutely brilliant.”

He added: “Everyone focuses on sherry, but Spanish wine is in a league of its own. I spend a lot of time in the US and some of the most sought-after wines there are Spanish,” he said.

Ramsay also lavished praise on Galicia, pointing towards the northern Spanish region as one of his favourite spots for food and drink.

READ MORE: Europe’s first Hell’s Kitchen to open in Ibiza

“For me, it’s one of the places I respect most, not only because of the food but also because of the wines,” he said.

“That sloping terrain where the vineyards grow, together with that unique humidity, produces extraordinary wines.”

The fiery chef’s fascination with Spanish cuisine started in the 1990s when he would save money to visit iconic three Michelin star restaurant El Bulli, located on the Costa Brava, and sample their starters. 

“For me, [Spanish] cuisine is as important as French cuisine, but without the arrogance,” he said.

“Spain is happier with itself and more quiet about its success. I love that.

“There’s a lot of exciting movement in Spanish cuisine right now. In London, I have a dozen chefs working with me in various restaurants.”

Last year, Ramsay brought his famed Hell’s Kitchen to Spain for the very first time.

The restaurant, located on the party island of Ibiza, opened its doors to the public last June.

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