La Mancha DO

Question 1

Describe the growing environment of La Mancha DO

Answer 1

• Largest DO in Spain
• On the flat meseta, 500-700m altitude
• Continental with extremely hot summers (max 45C) and very cold winteres (-20C)
• Low rainfall, 300-400mm
• Limestone and chalk help retain water but drip irrigation is common

Question 2

Describe the vineyards of La Mancha DO

Answer 2

• 40% of vineyards irrigated
• Planting densities low, 1000 vines per ha for some bush trained vineyards without irrigation
• Irrigated, trellised vineyards planted at 3000 vines per hectare

Question 3

What are the varieties planted in La Mancha DO

Answer 3

• Airen has 90,000ha undervine for both neutral white wine or distilled into Brandy de Jerez
• Cencibel (Tempranillo) most planted blak grape; made into fruity, low oak wine. Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva wines can be found

Question 4

Describe the wine business of the La Mancha DO

Answer 4

• 14,000 grape growers, 241 wineries
• Co-ops large majority of production
• Virgen de las Vinas, largest co-op in Spain; 2000 members farming 20,000ha
• Wine produced is sold either bulk or bottled,
• 38% exported
• Germany, China and Japan key export markets