Valdepeñas DO

Established in 1932, Valdepeñas DO is an appellation for wines in the southern part of Spain’s Castile-La Mancha region. The appellation - which is almost entirely surrounded by La Mancha DO - has a long history of winemaking and is renowned for its Clarete or Aloque wines which blend red and white grapes. The continental climate brings extreme heat in summer and winter temperatures that can drop below zero. Droughts are common and hence the area's lime-rich soils are essential for locking in moisture and ensuring vine health. Permitted grapes here include Cencibel (Tempranillo), Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon for reds, and Airén, Chardonnay and Moscatel for whites.