La Mancha is the largest single designated wine region, not only in Spain but also in Europe, encompassing more than 192,000 ha (474,000 acres) of land dedicated to grape-growing. Located within the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha, it occupies a vast expanse of the central Iberian plateau with the Comunidad Valenciana and Murcia in its east, Extremadura on the west and Andalucia in south. The national capital Madrid and its adjoinig wine areas are located in the northwest of the region. It is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions of Spain although the DO status was accorded in 1976.
La Mancha is one of the most extreme continental climates with summer temperatures of more than 104°F (40°C) not uncommon. Winters are freezingly cold often accompanied by prolonged frosts. These high seasonal variations along with low rainfall which averages between 12 (300 mm) to 16 inches (400 mm), makes grape production a very challenging proposition, calling for vine varieties tolerant enough to withstand the natural barriers to produce consistent wines year after year. Unsurprisingly, the tough Airén has been a local favorite which makes the bulk of the region's production. At their best, these wines are fresh and inexpensive but the neutral and rather bland character make them ordinary and without much character. No wonder that a vast quantity of the annual production goes for distilled products like Brandy de Jerez and industrial alcohol.
In spite of Airén's predominance, it is the red wines and some rosés (rosado) that make the best examples in La Mancha. The reds range from easy-drinking and affordable styles to the more serious barrel-aged versions recognized for their consistently high quality. Cencibel (Tempranillo) leads the red grapes with French varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot often used to add body and structure to the wines.
La Mancha has continuously evolved in line with the other DO's around it and the old practices have given way to modern technology adding to the reputation of the wines coming out of the region.
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