Valdepenas
In the southern part of La Mancha lies Valdepenas, just north of the baking hot southern Sherry region of Andalucia. It’s an intense, sun-baked area, with semi-arid conditions, with some relief for vines grown up in the more hilly regions.
It produces a large quantity of both red and white, from the Cencibel and the Airen. Similar investment has meant that the wines are fresh and modern. Valdepenas produces a great deal of high quality, traditional reds also, with traditional oak ageing, which provide good value alternatives to traditional Rioja styles, at a commercial level.
Valdepenas Grapes & Styles
Whites – fresh, lively, soft dry whites from the Airen.
Reds – there are 2 main styles – lively, unoaked, ripe berry fruit scented and flavoured reds mainly from the Cencibel; fuller, oaked, rich, yet early drinking reds are also made.