Utiel-Requena DO

Question 1

Describe the growing environment of the Utiel-Requena DO

Answer 1

• Inland from northern part of Valencia DO; western limit borders La Mancha
• 33,000ha
• Continental Climate, hot summers, very cold winters.
• High altitiude, 750m; cooler summer nights but potential spring frost
• Low rainfall 450mm

Question 2

Describe the grape growing of Utiel-Requena DO

Answer 2

• 87% black varieties, primarily Bobal (70%)
• 40 year old vines and over

Question 3

Describe Bobal in Utiel-Requena DO

Answer 3

• mid to late budding
• Drought tolerant
• Retains acid in warm climates
• Uneven ripness common, resulting in firm tannins
• Vigorous and high yeilding; kept in check by quality minded producers
• High colour; often used as a blending component

Question 4

Describe the wines of Utiel-Requena DO

Answer 4

• Bobal traditionally used for Rosé, but now mostly for red wines
• Ranging from light bodied, medium tannin with semi carbonic or full bodied, high acid, darker flavours, generally from older vines and matured in oak
• Generally acceptable to very good, inexpensive to mid-priced, exported 2/3 in 2021