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 Tempranillo, known locally as Cencibel, and the white grape Airen. Similar investment has meant that the wines are fresh and modern. Valdepenas produces a great deal of decent quality, traditional reds with traditional oak ageing, which provide good value alternatives to traditional Rioja styles, at a commercial level.