If you're looking for a wine region that's off the beaten path, look no further than Castilla-La Mancha. This central Spanish region is home to some of the country's most underrated wines. Here's everything you need to know about Castilla-La Mancha wine.
With over a million acres of vineyards, the Castilla-La Mancha wine region in central Spain is one of the largest wine regions in the world. And with so many wines to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming for even the most seasoned oenophile. But don't worry—we're here to help! In this guide, we'll give you an overview of the most popular grape varieties and producers in this vast region.
The Climate
Castilla-La Mancha has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The region experiences a fair amount of rainfall, which is beneficial for the grapes. The vineyards are located at high altitudes, which helps protect the grapes from extreme weather conditions.
The wines of Castilla are of excellent quality thanks to the dry climate of the region. During the year it rains very little; in addition, the area is very sunny and temperatures reach 45 degrees in summer. The dry environment, with always clear skies, is ideal for the cultivation of vines. On the other hand, it is important to mention that the dry microclimates prevent the proliferation of fungi and bacteria in the grapes. For this reason, these wines are usually of a marked quality.
The sweet wines of Castilla La Mancha are an excellent example of the balance of flavors, thanks to the concentration of sugar and alcohol in the fruit, due to exposure to the sun. According to experts, this region enjoys more than 3,000 hours of sunlight each year. The sun causes the grapes to ripen well and gives them the ideal alcohol percentage.
Limestone soil
The best wines of Castilla La Mancha come from the plains, formed by land with limestone and sandy-clay sediments. These are soils with little organic material and little water filtration, perfect for grape development. The white wines of Castilla La Mancha, from limestone soils, have a balanced acidity, are sweet and dry, very aromatic. They are ideal to enjoy on their own, chilled, or to accompany a delicious dish. The red wines, on the other hand, are structured and robust; they are enhanced by aging in barrels and have a balanced alcohol content.
The Grapes
There are four main grape varieties grown in Castilla-La Mancha: Airén, Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, and Monastrell. Airén is the most widely planted grape in Spain and it is used to produce light, crisp white wines. Tempranillo is used to produce red wines that are full-bodied and have high acidity levels. Garnacha Tinta produces fruity red wines with low tannin levels. Monastrell is used to produce full-bodied red wines that are high in tannins.
The wines
Once you know the different grape varieties, let's see which are the wines of Castilla La Mancha:
- Young wines that should be consumed in the same campaign in which they are labeled. The Tempranillo stands out with a frank aroma and concentration of red berry fruits.
- Traditional wines that are between young and crianza wines. There are whites, rosés and reds.
- Crianza wines are characterized by an aging process of at least 24 months, spending 6 months in barrels and another 6 months in bottle.
- Reserva wines are aged for one year in barrel and two more years in bottle.
- Gran Reserva wines must be aged for 5 years, 2 years in barrel and 3 years in bottle. Varieties include Cencibel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
- Sparkling white or rosé wines with 9 months of aging in bottle.
The Wineries
There are over 2,000 wineries in Castilla-La Mancha! The majority of these wineries are family-owned and operated. Many of them have been passed down from generation to generation.
In terms of production volume, it should be noted that this region prioritizes quality over quantity, although this does not mean that Castilla La Mancha does not occupy one of the first places in the ranking of wine production in Spain. The grape production in this region is so meticulous that it offers smaller grapes with higher sugar concentration and less water. The result of so much dedication? More robust wines, more aromatic and with a more intense flavor.
If you're looking for a wine region that's off the beaten path, look no further than Castilla-La Mancha. This central Spanish region is home to some of the country's most underrated wines. From its climate and grapes to its many wineries, there's a lot to love about Castilla-La Mancha wine.
If you want to know about Spanish wine more do not hesitate to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.