The wines of the Valdepeñas Designation of Origin express the personality of a unique region, where the climate registers extreme temperatures and the land contains properties especially favorable for the development of quality vineyard cultivation.
SOILS
The soils are poor in organic matter and of low fertility, an ideal circumstance for grape cultivation . The region contains an abundance of calcareous, sandy loam, and reddish-yellow clay soils, which, nourished by the area's scarce rainfall (between 200 and 400 liters per year), give the crop great resilience. Of particular interest from a viticultural point of view are the mountain slopes, covered with quartzite stones, which retain moisture very well beneath them, while on the surface there is a significant temperature difference between day and night.
CLIMATE
With over 2,500 hours of sunshine and 300 clear days , these lands with a continental climate can experience maximum temperatures exceeding 40ºC and minimum temperatures of -10ºC or even lower, with an annual average of 16ºC. These characteristics result in grapes that ripen well and, consequently, in wines with greater color intensity, optimal structure, and aromatic power.
White Varieties
Airén
Clean and bright wines, pale straw yellow in color, sometimes with a hint of gold and rarely greenish or steely. Aromas of medium to good intensity with clearly fruity notes reminiscent of apple or banana, and in some cases with subtle hints of wildflowers and almonds. On the palate they are dry or slightly sweet, light-bodied, with low extract, and a fresh, not very acidic flavor.
Macabeo
It demonstrates a superior aromatic potential compared to the traditional Airén. In our region, it is considered very suitable for both still and sparkling wines; its slow oxidation makes these wines very appropriate for aging in oak. The wine is pale and light with hints of green fruit.
Chardonnay
It produces elegant wines with significant aromatic potential and great finesse, pale yellow in color, with characteristic tropical primary aromas. These are full-bodied and structured wines, very suitable for barrel fermentation. It is advisable that the grapes not reach a high Baumé level, as this causes them to lose much of their fragrance and finesse.
Sauvignon Blanc
Considered the finest variety after Chardonnay, its wines are known for their strong aromatic potential, reminiscent of freshly cut grass. It should be vinified with the intention of obtaining a wine with low alcohol content, allowing it to develop its full potential and excellent qualities, resulting in wines with appreciable acidity and a beautiful straw-yellow color.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Its main difference from other Muscat varieties is the small size of the grapes. The resulting wines are notable for their high aromatic potential, reminiscent of flowers and fruit. It blends well with other, less aromatic varieties.
Verdejo
It is distinguished by its pleasantly wild and fruity flavors, with a certain structure on the palate, ending with a slightly bitter finish, but with a background of sweetness that gives the wine its peculiar personality.
Red Varieties
Tempranillo (Cencibel)
Among the native varieties, it is the most suitable for high-quality aged wines. It has also proven to be very effective for young wines when made specifically for that purpose, and its versatility makes it excellent for rosé wines as well. Tempranillo (Cencibel) is undoubtedly the most important variety in Valdepeñas, the flagship grape of the region and its wines.
Garnacha
This variety is primarily used for making young and rosé wines because it generally has a higher concentration of anthocyanins than tannins, making it unsuitable for aging unless blended with other red varieties. The resulting wine has aromas of delicate sweetness, with hints of ripe red fruit and flowers.
Cabernet Sauvignon
An ideal variety for aged wines due to its good structure, high total acidity, and very appreciable tannic richness, resulting in wines with intense color and penetrating aromas of violets and berries.
Merlot
These wines are of high quality and, when blended with other varieties from our Designation of Origin, can be enhanced, especially with Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo (Cencibel). The varietals are elegant with beautiful raspberry hues, their aromas reminiscent of almonds, and a clean palate.
Syrah
This variety is producing excellent wines in our Designation of Origin. They are dense, balanced, and long-lived, with complex aromas rich in nuances. Their mouthfeel is elegant, with a certain astringency that does not hinder enjoyment.
Petit Verdot
It is a good variety for blending that, by participating in only 10% of the mixture, highlights the aromas, color, acidity and tannins of the wines.
Quality Awards
The Quality Awards presented by the Valdepeñas Designation of Origin recognize the efforts of the wine sector.
A jury composed of representatives from professional organizations such as the Valdepeñas Sommelier Association (ASUVAL), IRIAF, the Castile-La Mancha College of Oenologists, the Spanish Union of Wine Tasters, the Valdepeñas Young Friends of Wine Association, and the Castile-La Mancha Association of Oenologists, among others, meets annually to taste the wine samples submitted by wineries within the Valdepeñas Designation of Origin (DO) for the Quality Awards. The wines are evaluated through blind tasting using the rating system recommended by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). The award consists of a certificate and an adhesive medal, which provides greater distinction to the wine and added value for the end consumer.