D.O. Utiel Requena

Wine tourism in D.O. Utiel-Requena

The winegrowing tradition of DO Utiel-Requena spans 2,600 years of history. The archaeological sites found in this Denomination of Origin attest to wine production and its uninterrupted trade from Iberian times to the present day. Dozens of wine presses carved in stone, such as Las Pilillas de Requena, amphorae, documents and grape pip remains discovered and studied, trace the wine culture of Utiel-Requena back to the origins of wine on the Iberian Peninsula.

A unique region for unique wines

The Denomination of Origin Utiel-Requena lies on the inland plateau of the province of Valencia (Spain), 70 km from the sea. It has a Mediterranean climate with continental traits, owing to its average altitude of 750 metres.

The winegrowing tradition of Utiel-Requena spans 2,700 years of history. The archaeological sites found in this Denomination of Origin attest to wine production and its uninterrupted trade from Iberian times to the present day. It is mankind who, in view of the natural factors surrounding him described above, established the deep-rootedness of winegrowing as a way and means of life in Utiel-Requena. The Bobal variety is the star of the Denomination of Origin Utiel-Requena. This native grape covers 74% of the total vineyard area, and adapts perfectly to its climate and land.

The land and the climate

With a surface area of 32,567 hectares in production, it is the most extensive and homogeneous vineyard in the Valencian Community. It is worked by 110 wineries and 4,977 winegrowers under the Denomination of Origin. The region comprises nine municipal districts: Caudete de las Fuentes, Camporrobles, Fuenterrobles, Requena, Siete Aguas, Sinarcas, Utiel, Venta del Moro and Villargordo del Cabriel.

Areas

DO Utiel-Requena enjoys a homogeneous geographical identity with common climatic traits. Its relief forms a plateau 45 kilometres in diameter, almost circular in perimeter and covering more than 1,800 square kilometres, with an average altitude of 700 metres above sea level.

Microclimates

The climate of DO Utiel-Requena displays continental traits with Mediterranean influence and temperatures that favour the proper cultivation of the vine. The winters are cold and long; in spring some night frosts occur and the summer and autumn seasons tend to be short.

It is a fundamentally red-wine region. The authorised red varieties are: Bobal (predominant and native), Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Garnacha Tintorera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. And the white ones are: Tardana (also called Planta Nova, it is native), Macabeo, Merseguera, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Parellada, Verdejo and Moscatel de grano menudo.

BOBAL GRAPE

The Bobal variety is the star of the Denomination of Origin, accounting for 67% of production. Of the 21,876 hectares planted with this grape, 47% are old vineyards, more than 40 years old. The climate and soil that this native variety requires adapt perfectly to those of the area. It shows a preference for the highlands, with short, dry summers, in which it develops its characteristics well.

The wines made with Bobal have an intense and distinctive colour. It yields red wines of intense colour, with plenty of body and complex flavours. Furthermore, they are notable for their powerful structure and volume, harmonised with original sensations on the palate and nose reminiscent of ripe fruit nuanced by nuts, liquorice and spices. Young reds tend to have a deep colour, with very striking purple hues. The passing of time turns them into lively reds reminiscent of ripe cherry, their evolution being very slow.

Experiences to enjoy in D.O. Utiel-Requena

Discover this winegrowing region located in the interior of the province of Valencia.