DO Manchuela – A bastion with character

LOCATION AND HISTORY

Manchuela is a large area in the centre of Spain, east of Cuenca and Albacete, and has 70 towns in Castilla La Mancha. It is bordered by other Designations of Origin: La Mancha in the west, Jumilla in the south and Almansa and Utiel-Requena to the east. Although the state of Manchuela was confirmed in 2000 and its regulation was completed in 2004, it had been defined as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) since 1982, separating it from La Mancha.

SOILS

In Manchuela the soil is composed of clay on limestone and the average height of the vineyards are between 600-700 meters. Another unevenness that deeply marks the surface of the area are the two large reservoirs to the north of the cultivation area, Alarcón and Contreras, which allow an abundance of irrigation. These are all very favorable conditions for vine cultivation.

CLIMATE

Although we find ourselves in a territory with a continental climate, a good part benefits from the altitude and the fresh winds which blow from the Mediterranean Sea. This encourages temperatures to be surprisingly low, although it rarely produces frost 

TYPE OF GRAPE

The native Bobal grape represents 70% of the vineyard area, but there are new plantations with various important recommendations like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cencibel, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah, used for the production of red wines. The same way Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc now compliment Albillo and Verdejo to produce white wines. Therefore it is a territory that works with varieties present in other parts of Spain, but claim their own space in the international market.