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The treasured sub-region of Utiel-Requena produces a variety of wines renowned and revered across the world. This wine-growing region, located in the northwest of the province on the Castile-La Mancha border, has been producing great wines for over 2,500 years. The name for the wine appellation was borrowed from two neighboring towns of Utiel and Requena. The most dominant grape variety is Bobal. The wines from the Utiel-Requena are the outcome of the unique procedures, amazing quality of grapes, and perfect terroir. We hope you enjoy discovering these vintage wines as you go through the wine region of Valencia.

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Where is the Utiel-Requena wine region?

Located just 68km west of Valencia city, the Utiel-Requena wine appellation is the largest in the Valencia region in Eastern Spain. The location is only 70 kilometers west of the coast of the Balearic sea, sharing a boundary with Castile-La Manch to the southeast. The vineyard surface is approximately 35,000 hectares with slightly above 20 wineries. These hardworking wineries and winemakers have built a reputation for the region by producing high-quality wines using grapes that are merely grown in other parts of the world. The average altitude of the vineyards of the region is 720 meters from sea level. 

History of the Utiel-Requena wine region

The viticulture in the Utiel-Requena wine appellation dates back to the 7th century BC. There were archeological discoveries in the ancient Iberian settlement of Los Villares that revealed that the wine was already produced in 700BC. After defeating the Carthaginians in the 1st century, the ancient Romans settled here and continued to produce wines with a new wine-making process. Wine production continued even during the rule of the Moorish period. The Utiel-Requena wine appellation peaked during the 19th century as the vineyards grew in number and the wine trade was much accessible through the port of Valencia and railway Networks. The vineyards of Utiel-Requena were spared from phylloxera infestation as the Bobal grape variety was more resistant to the virus. 

The terroir and geography of the Utiel-Requena wine region

The region is located in the transition zone between the Mediterranean coast and the high plateau of La Mancha. The land mass is slightly sloped front the northwest to the southeast. Most of the vineyards are located between the Turia and the Cabriel rivers. The solid is mostly dark in color with limestone that is poor in organic content. The climate is continental with long hot arid summer and cold frosty winter. The temperature can reach 40 degrees Celcius in the summer and -10 degrees Celsius in winter. The region has a cooling effect from the cool wind due to the Mediterranean influence. 

Popular grape varieties from the Utiel-Requena wine region

Over 80% of the vineyards are planted with the Bobal grape varietal with planting density ranging from 1600-4000 vines per hectare. Bobal is Spain's second most planted red grape varietal. Other grape varietals grown in the Utiel-Requena appellation are:

Red Varietals: Bobal, Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Garnacha Tintorera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc.

White Varietals: Planta Nova, Macabeo, Merseguera, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Parellada, Verdejo, and Moscatel de Grano Menudo.

Food to pair with Utiel-Requena wine 

Paella

Paella, a one-pot delicacy made with saffron-flavored rice, is one of Spain's most popular dishes. As additional ingredients, the meal may incorporate meat, fish, or vegetables. According to folklore, paella originated in Valencia, where it was made with seasonal vegetables, fowl, rabbit, and occasionally snails. Nowadays, most rice dishes in Spain are referred to as Paella. The meal is generally served in a shallow pan that may also be used for cooking.

Because paella is cooked in a large and shallow pan, it has a crispy bottom layer - caramelized rice layer called socorrat. The dish differs for each restaurant since authentic versions require more time and skill.

Barbecue

Barbecue is mostly known as a cooking method usually enjoyed in an outdoor social gathering, at which meats or fish along with vegetables are roasted over a wood or a charcoal fire with the lid closed. 

Barbecuing has been a part of American culture and is popular throughout the United States, enjoyed during a celebration or social gathering. Barbecue is often served along with the sauce, salad, sweet potato, and beans. Mostly favored meat is pork and beef. Other barbecued items include lamb, chicken, sausages, and sometimes seafood as well. 

Most zinfandel pairs very well with barbecued meat and sausages that are smoked with the sweet and spicy marinade. 

Pair up with the robust Bobal red wines. 

Roasted Lamb

Lamb is a versatile meat that can be enjoyed year-round with special indulgence. Many flavors compliment lamb so you can use a variety of herbs, spices, and seasonings to enhance the flavor of your choice. 

Roasted lamb dishes such as rack of lamb, leg of lamb, or lamb cutlets, go well with robust red wines from the Utiel-Requena wine appellation. 

Places to visit in the Utiel-Requena wine region

Torre Fortaleza

The Torre Fortaleza is a Cultural Asset located in the area of Requena-Utiel, in the province of Valencia. The fortress is built on a big rock and is placed on a peninsula that dominates the city. Only the Torre del Homenaje remains today, which is part of the basic Muslim castle that was erected in masonry stone and mortar until it was rebuilt by the current one in 1423. The castle was built between two enormous towers, complete with battlements and embankments. It had a drawbridge that crossed an already-filled moat. It was used for a variety of purposes, ranging from a gentleman's mansion to a jail. 

Requena was a region of border conflicts and internal disagreements between the nobles and the monarchy until the arrival of the Catholic Monarchs in the late Middle Ages. From the end of the 12th century, Requena was regarded as a "boundary square" between the Muslim kingdom of Valencia and the kingdom of Castile. 

Temple of Santa María

Santa Maria is a Roman Catholic church in Requena, Valencia, Spain, built in Medieval and Baroque styles. The church was built in the late 15th century although construction continued until the 18th century. The great gothic gateway is ornately carved with angels, floral patterns, and an Annunciation scene in the tympanum. During the Spanish Civil War, the church lost most of its interior design and Azulejo tile. Concerts are also held at the church. In 1931, this ancient temple was designated as a national historic-artistic monument. The temple is one of three that still stands in La Villa after the middle ages.

Frequently asked questions about Utiel-Requena

Where is the Utiel-Requena wine region located?

The Utiel-Requena wine appellation, located approximately 68 kilometers west of Valencia city, is the biggest in the Valencia area of Eastern Spain. The position is about 70 kilometers west of the Balearic Sea's shore, with Castile-La Mancha to the southeast. The vineyard area is around 35,000 hectares, and there are somewhat more than 20 wineries.

What are the most famous wineries in this region?

Bodega Finca Col Vi
Bodega Sierra Norte
Bodegas Nodus
Bodegas Vegalfaro
Clos D´Esgarracordes
Ladron De Lunas

What are some of the best Utiel-Requena wines that people should try?

Torre Oria 80 Years Old Vines Red Blend, Utiel-Requena, Spain
Faustino Rivero Ulecia Valtier Reserva, Utiel-Requena, Spain
Marques de Valtier Reserva, Utiel-Requena, Spain
Bodegas Hispano Suizas 'Bassus' Pinot Noir, Utiel-Requena, Spain
Bodegas Murviedro Cepas Viejas Bobal, Utiel-Requena, Spain

What are the different kinds of grapes that grow in the Utiel-Requena appellation?

The dominant grape variety of the Utiel-Requena region is Bobal accounting for over 80% of total production. Other grape varietals grown in the Utiel-Requena appellation are:

Red Varietals: Bobal, Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Garnacha Tintorera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc.

White Varietals: Planta Nova, Macabeo, Merseguera, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Parellada, Verdejo, and Moscatel de Grano Menudo.

What kind of wine is a Utiel-Requena?

Bobal, Tempranillo, and Garnacha mix to provide a nose of rich red berry flavor with toast and smoke. In the end, dried plums with a meaty edge emerge, as do tobacco and spices. The wines are fresh, delicate, and crisp with a firm finish.

When is the best time to visit the Utiel-Requena wine region?

The Utiel-Requena region can be visited year-round, but the harvest season (August to October) is an exciting time to witness winemaking activities and experience the vibrancy of the vineyards.

What are the main characteristics of wines from the Utiel-Requena region?

Wines from the Utiel-Requena region often exhibit deep color, robust structure, and intense flavors. Red wines showcase ripe fruit flavors, earthy notes, and firm tannins, while white wines offer freshness and floral aromas.

What is the climate like in the Utiel-Requena region?

The Utiel-Requena region has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cold winters, making it suitable for viticulture.

Map of Wineries in Utiel-Requena

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Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Utiel-Requena