Red wine varieties

This variety is very predominant throughout Spain and it is used in the Jumilla and La Mancha Designations of Origin. The plant is resistant to droughts, phylloxera and other plagues, budding late, hence it is not highly affected by spring frosts. The resulting wines are of an intense cherry red colour, with low alcohol content; in nose they are not very intense, fresh and fruity, with a relatively high acidity level.

This grape originates from the Bordeaux region of France, and it is grown throughout all the warm regions of the world. It is called to be the Emperor of all the red wine varieties. It has been highly embraced in Castilla-La Mancha, to the point of becoming the third highest producer of red wine grapes in the region. The resulting wines are dry, full-bodied, with high alcohol content, acidity, with an intense violet colour. In nose they are deep and intense, floral (violets), fruity (berries) and vegetable (pepper). In mouth they are flavourful.

This is the most highly extended grape in Spain and the one planted the most in the world. Its origin is found in Aragón. It is the second most important grape for the production of rosé wines in Castilla-La Mancha. It is a highly productive plant, which is resistant to cold although sensitive to plagues and disease. The resulting wines are well balanced, soft in colour, with high alcohol content, not very full-bodied and with low acidity. The aromas are delicate and fruity. In mouth they are brawny and smooth.

This grape originated in France and in Spain it is highly shared-out throughout the entire geography, with the Almansa Designation of Origin standing out in our region. Its name is due to the great amount of colour that it gives to other varieties, due to its red hued pulp. The wines are very full-bodied, with a potent dark cherry colour. The resulting wine is normally used for blending due to its high colouring capacity.

This grape is considered to be the typical variety of the Almansa, Jumilla and La Mancha Designations of Origin. The plant is very resistant, ideal for a dry, continental climate, well adapted to droughts and frosts. This is a plant that thrives on sunshine and it is highly productive when it receives an abundance of the sun’s rays. The wines that are obtained with this grape are intense, aromatic and very suitable for ageing (mellow and desert wines). The resulting wines are dry and brawny, with an intense cherry red colour and high alcohol content. This grape can be beautifully blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah varieties.

This grape variety is primarily grown in Albacete and Cuenca. The plant is highly productive. The resulting wines are very aromatic, with violet hued tones. In mouth they are complete and structured. It is a very suitable wine for coupages (blending) with other varieties, such as Grenache.

This grape receives its name due to the important amount of colour that it contributes to other varieties, this being because of its red hued pulp. The plants have an average production rate, with early budding (which means that they can be affected by spring frosts) and they are sensitive to disease and plagues. The resulting wines are full-bodied with a potent dark cherry red colour. These grapes are normally turned into blending wine due to its colouring capacity.

This is a variety of red wine grape that is occasionally used for blending with wines produced with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. With an average fertility and ripening rate, its budding can be somewhat precocious. It produces wines that are rich in tannins, mature and with a high level of colour, which is very suitable for blending with wines of other varieties in small amounts. In Castilla-La Mancha it has been adapted by some wine growers for the production of signature wines.

This grape adapts beautifully to the drier areas of the Peninsula. It is grown in La Mancha, Méntrida and Jumilla, where it is acquiring consistency for blending with Monastrell. The resulting wines are full-bodied, with good alcohol content and smoky aromas, reminiscent of violets, black olives, leather, tobacco and liquorice. The grapes are of a dark red colour. In order to extract the very best from this variety, fermentation periods are long and ageing takes place in wooden barrels as these wines have a great favourable aging potential. This grape can also be perfectly blended with different varieties, such as Grenache, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

Tempranillo is the Spanish grape par excellence and the one that is best known outside of Spain. This is the grape that is used the most in Castilla-La Mancha. The plant is vigorous and sensitive to drought and disease. It ripens early on in the season (hence its name), which means that it can be affected by frosts. On its own it works beautifully, although it is also highly associated to the Graciano, Mazuela and Grenache varieties due to its low acidity. In combination with Cabernet Sauvignon it produces excellent wines. The resulting wines are of great quality, highly balanced, with good alcohol content, slightly acidic, with a mellow aroma of strawberries and berries; its colour is a very intense ruby red. It is a very suitable wine for ageing in oak barrels.