📍 Valdepeñas

Valdepeñas (“valley of stones”) is a wine zone in Castilla-La Mancha, in the very centre of Spain, around the town of Valdepeñas. It is a southern enclave inside the large La Mancha zone. The region lies on a flat plain with a dry continental climate, hot summers and cold winters.

Reds are made from Tempranillo, locally called Cencibel. They are soft, fruity and affordably priced. Whites are made from Airén, the most widely planted white grape of La Mancha: light and fresh. Local winemakers used to blend red and white grapes in one wine.

Valdepeñas uses ageing categories like Rioja: young wine, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. Many wines offer good value, which made the zone popular. The surrounding La Mancha zone is larger, but Valdepeñas is known for softer reds. The wine suits roast meat, cured sausages and Manchego cheese, classics of local cooking. Valdepeñas lies about two hours' drive south of Madrid, which is why its wines have reached Madrid bars and restaurants for many years. Young reds are served slightly chilled, and aged ones at room temperature.