Vinos de Madrid Wine Region Guide

The Vinos de Madrid region is one of Spain's most important wine-producing regions. The region gained its fame with the red wine production made primarily from the Garnacha grape, which still remains the main grape variety, representing about 42% of local wine production. The appellation is located in the southern part of the autonomous Community of Madrid and is divided into three sub-zones: Arganda, Navalcarnero, and San Martín. Each of these sub-zones produces different kinds of wine with distinctive characteristics. Therefore, apart from Grenache, they use several grape varieties, such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Graciano, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Malvar, and Albillo. Vinos de Madrid boasts its diversified wine palette, and visiting it is a must for every wine lover for the Madrid wine experience. 

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Where is Vinos de Madrid located?

Vinos de Madrid wine appellation is located in the Community of Madrid, the heart of Spain. Madrid, in general, is famous for its numerous tourists throughout the year and its nightlife. Therefore, wine tasting is rampant in the area, and the demand for locally-produced wines is relatively high. Not a surprise that the vineyards of Vinos de Madrid occupy an enormous space stretching 8,800 hectares and covering 54 municipalities within three sub-zones of Arganda, Navalcarnero, and San Martín. Vinos de Madrid is the only appellation in the Madrid province with a maximum annual crop of 15000 kg per hectare. 

The history of the Vinos de Madrid wine region

​​The Vinos de Madrid has a long history of winemaking since the 8th century. The area was first populated by the Romans, who, according to annals, first initiated the viticulture that has survived the Muslim invasion and their forbidding rules against alcohol. In the Middle Ages, Christian monasteries continued to produce wine and sell it to pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. By then, Christian monks represented most wine producers in the region and introduced winemaking techniques that are still used today. Later on, King Felipe II attested Madrid as the capital, which led to an even more increase in the export of wine and therefore helped the regional wine gain an advantage over the competitors. Vinos de Madrid was known as a bulk wine producer till 1970, when the financial crisis hit the region and caused a significant decline in consumption. Only after that did the region change its strategy and invest in producing higher quality, premium wine, which led to the acquisition of appellation status, becoming authorized Vinos de Madrid DO (Denominación de Origen) in 1990. 

The Terroir of Vinos de Madrid

The climate in Vinos de Madrid wine appellation is Continental, which means it has hot, dry summers and cool winters. There are abrupt and extreme changes in the temperature, as it could be as high as 40 °C in summer and pretty low, like -2 °C in winter. It usually rains in Spring and autumn, with an average annual rainfall of 550 mm. As for soil composition, it varies according to the sub-zones, which once again stipulates the diversity in taste of Vinos de Madrid wine. In Arganda, the largest sub-zone of Vinos de Madrid, representing about 50% of total vineyards and located in the eastern part of the region, the soil consists of clay and loam. San-Martin, situated in the southwestern corner of the area, covers 35% of vineyards and has granitic and weathered-rock soil. Navalcarnero, located in the middle of the region with 15% of the total wine production, has a sandy-loam texture, which is not very high in nutrients but propitious for drainage. 

Characteristics of Vinos de Madrid wine

Although Grenache is the main grape variety of the region, used to produce red wine, there are other authorized grapes too, like Tempranillo, or Tinto fino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Graciano, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah for red wine. Red wines are mostly dry and deeply coloured with intense taste, and they say savoury Spanish wine notes. White wine is mainly produced from Malvar and Albillo grape varieties, but Macabeo or Viura, Moscatel, and Parellada are also used in small amounts. They are moderately acidic and have a smooth, creamy texture and fruity flavours. The wines of the Vino de Madrid appellation are distributed in 51 wineries, most of which are in the Arganda subzone, representing around 110 wine brands.

The food to pair with Vinos de Madrid wine

Cocido madrileño

Cocido madrileño is a typical regional meat stew cooked with beef or poultry, chickpeas, Spanish chorizo, carrots, cabbage, onions, herbs, and broth. This hearty and flavourful dish is great to savour with a glass of Vinos de Madrid red wine, like all other Spanish dishes made with meat. 

Gambas al ajillo

Gambas al ajillo is tradtional Spanish tapas originated from Madrid. This one-pot appetizer consists of sautéed shrimps, chopped garlic, lemon juice, paprika, parsley, and olive oil. This succulent meal is best served with crispy baguette and white wine of Vinos de Madrid. 

Carne al desarreglo

Carne al desarreglo is also a traditional dish from Madrid, consisting of stewed beef, tomatoes, onion, garlic, wine, olive oil, salt, and pepper, resulting in a sick, mouthwatering sauce. Carne al desarreglo is a perfect accompaniment for Vinos de Madrid red wine to experience Spanish food and wine culture completely. 

Places to visit in the Vinos de Madrid wine region

Parque Regional del Sureste

This massive park, situated in the Community of Madrid, is a true expression of local nature. Surrounded by green, century-old trees, cliffs, Manzanares and Jarama river, this is an excellent place for hiking, cycling, or a slow walk. You will also find some of the rarest plant species on the way.

Church of Inmaculada Concepción

This beautiful church is an important monument of Spanish Christian heritage. Located in the subzone of Navalcarnero, the church was restored in 1983 and still amazes its guests with great architecture. Therefore, it is an absolute must-see in the region. 

Plaza de Segovia 

This gorgeous square is the true heart of Navalcarnero. Around it, there are banks, bars, restaurants, shops, etc. The Plaza de Segovia has been and continues to be a witness to the main events that have taken place in this Royal Villa. But it is also the host of fairs like the Craft Market or the Book Fair and serves as a decoration for times like Christmas or Carnival. So anytime in the region, something will happen on this square.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Vinos de Madrid