Valencia wines refer to the wines produced in the wine region of Valencia, which is located in the eastern part of Spain in the autonomous community of Valencia. The region has a long history of winemaking, dating back to Roman times, and it is known for producing a diverse range of wines, from fresh and fruity whites to bold and full-bodied reds.
Key characteristics of Valencia wines:
Climate and Terroir: Valencia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild winters. The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea influences the climate, providing cooling sea breezes that help moderate temperatures. The region's diverse terroir includes various soil types, including clay, limestone, and sandy soils.
Grape Varieties: Valencia cultivates a wide variety of grape varieties, both indigenous and international. For red wines, popular grape varieties include Monastrell, Tempranillo, Bobal, and Garnacha. For white wines, grapes like Macabeo (Viura), Merseguera, and Moscatel are commonly used.
Wine Styles: Valencia produces a broad spectrum of wines to suit various preferences. The wines range from crisp and refreshing whites to medium-bodied and fruity rosés, and from smooth and approachable reds to rich and complex aged wines.
Sweet Wines: Valencia is well-known for producing sweet wines, particularly "Moscatel de Valencia" or "Mistela". These wines are made from Muscat (Moscatel) grapes and are often fortified, resulting in lusciously sweet and aromatic dessert wines.
Denominación de Origen (DO): Valencia has its own Denominación de Origen (DO), called "Valencia DO," which regulates the production and quality of wines in the region. There are also other sub-regions with their own DOs, such as Utiel-Requena DO and Alicante DO.
Wine Tourism: Valencia has become a popular wine tourism destination, with many wineries offering tours and tastings. Visitors can explore the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and sample the diverse array of wines produced in the region.
Valencia wines have gained recognition for their quality and value, and the region continues to evolve and innovate in winemaking. Whether you are looking for a refreshing white wine to enjoy on a sunny day or a robust red to pair with a hearty meal, Valencia offers a delightful selection of wines to suit every occasion and palate.
The wine route in Valencia includes wineries that cultivate wine with the D.O. of Valencia, which is divided into different zones that produce wines very different from each other due to the climatic characteristics and soil. These zones are Alto Turia/Valentino, Terres dels Alforins, Moscatel, Clariano and Valencia city.
Monastrell, Tintorera and Merlot are the most cultivated red grapes; while if you are interested in whites, here you will taste wines made with white Macabeo, Planta Nova, Verdil, among others. All these grapes are used to produce three types of wines: dry, sweet and sparkling.
In Valencia