Not many wine drinkers will have heard of it, but La Mancha is the largest vineyard in the world, with more than 150,000 hectares of vines – greater than the entire vineyard area of Australia. Almost 60 million bottles are exported every year. It is perhaps better known as the land of Don Quixote, but it is one of the oldest viticultural regions – a vast plateau covering much of central Spain. The vineyards are interspersed with countless fields of almond and olive trees, sunflowers and cereals planted on the seemingly endless plain.
The limestone soils, arid climate with hot sunny days and cool night-time temperatures are perfect for growing grapes. In the past and still today, La Mancha and its various subregions have been seen mainly as a source of inexpensive bulk wine or grapes for brandy. But over the past decade or so, ambitious winemakers have started to produce some high-quality wines, often at very modest prices.
The traditional grapes are tempranillo, known here as cencibel, and airén, a white grape, along with garnacha, bobal and monastrell. These were traditionally grown en vaso without any form of trellising, a system that is ideal for the climate. In recent years many of the better-known grape varieties have been planted too, with varying degrees of success.
On a recent trip to the region, I tried plenty of really good wines, both white and red. These are four very keenly priced wines from that area all for less than €20.
Toro Loco Superior 2023, Utiel-Requena Organic
12.5%, €7.99
One of three wines in the Toro Loco range stocked by Aldi, this blend of bobal and tempranillo is light, fresh and fruity with an easy smooth finish. Great value for money.
From Aldi
Fontana Merinas Tempranillo 2023, Uclés, Bodegas Fontana
13.5%, €14
Very moreish with supple ripe red cherry fruits and a light spiciness. A versatile wine to enjoy with pasta, red and white meats or pizza.
From many independent wine shops including Morton’s, Galway; Bradley’s, Cork; Morton’s, D6; Pinto Wines, D9; Sweeneys, D3; Mitchell & Son, Glasthule and D1; Drinkstore, D7
Bodegas Campos Reales ‘Tinto Ecologio’ La Mancha, Spain, 2023
14%, €14-15
Medium to full-bodied with attractive rounded ripe dark fruits. With red meats and firm cheeses.
From Pinto wines, D9; A Taste of Spain, D2; 64 Wine, Glasthule; TheNudeWineCo.ie; Wicklow Wine Co
Clos Lojen 2023, Bodegas Ponce, Biodynamic
13%, €18
Made from the bobal grape. This is instantly drinkable with supple savoury ripe plums and light tannins. All of the Ponce wines offer amazing value for money.
From MacCurtain Wines, Cork; Lennox Street, D8; Mortons, Galway; Searsons, Monkstown; Lilith D7
