Central Spain - The Meseta - Valdepenas

Answer 1

Small enclave in the south of La Mancha plateau surrounded by hills. Name means ‘valley of rocks’

• Limestone based soils w good water retention during the hot summers. Some alluvial soils.
• Hot, dry and extremely continental climate (40C to -10C). Rainfall sparse and mainly spring & autumn

Answer 2

Whites

1. Aíren – 2/3 of all plantings
2. • Prized for hardiness & resistance to drought
3. • Not a lot of character; average quality wines
4. • Wines prone to oxidation
5. • Mainly in La Mancha for spirits or light fresh

whites -

Others: Macabeo (2%), Verdejo (1.4%)

Answer 3

Reds

1. Cencibel aka Tempranillo
2. • Premier native black grape w thick skin; ripens early i.e. several weeks earlier vs. most Spanish red grapes (temprano: ‘early’)
3. • Wines are med->full bodied, low to med+ acidity, w med tannins and flavours of strawberry, cherry, raspberry & plum.

Others: Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon

Answer 4

30,000ha - DO since 1932

• newer plantations on trellises to allow increase in production
• Key hazards: hail storsm, strong winds in Spring

Answer 5

Modern winemaking w temperature controlled fermentation, stabilisation casks, modern filters, etc.

Whites must be 100% Aíren. Rosados usually blend of red grapes. Most wines to be drunk within a year.

Joven & Crianza – min 20% Cencibel. Reservas & Gran Reservas 100% Cencibel.

Joven usually made by carbonic maceration. Crianza, Reservas, Gran Reservas aged in old American oak Oak-aged reds have good structure, full bodied and ageworthy. Best wines are high quality & reasonably priced

Key producers:
oBodegas Real – 1.2m btls

• Owned by Sergio Barroso; produces unoaked reds and Palacio de Ibor Crianza

o_Miguel Calatayud_ – 2.5m btls
- Signature wines: Vegaval Plata Reserva made from Cencibel or Cabernet.