Geography
DO Manchuela is essentially landlocked by other DOs. To the west is DO Ribera del Jucar and DO La Mancha, to the east DO Utiel-Requena and to the south DO Almansa.
Climate
If there is such a climate as temperate continental, Manchuela enjoys such a phenomenon. Cooled by humid winds from the Mediterranean, coupled with its altitude moderates the fluctuations in temperature.
Average temperature: 39F-77F.
Average rainfall: Roughly 18 inches annually.
Soil
Clay over limestone is consistent throughout Manchuela.
Grapes
White – Albillo, Chardonnay, Macabeo, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo.
Red – Bobal, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Garnacha, Merlot, Monastrell, Moravia Dulce, Syrah.
Wine Styles & Alcoholic Strengths
Many of the wines produced within DO Manchuela are red. There is a fair amount of rose produced, along with bit of white – roughly 10% of production. In addition to still, dry wines, there are still some traditional doble pasta reds produced.
White (Min 11%)
Joven
Crianza
Reserva
Gran Reserva
Rose (Min 11.5%)
Joven
Red (Min 12%)
Joven
Crianza
Reserva
Gran Reserva
Doble Pasta
Aging Requirements
Crianza – Minimum 18 months aging with a minimum of 6 months in oak.
Reserva – Minimum 24 months aging with a minimum of 12 months in oak.
Gran Reserva – Minimum 60 months aging with a minimum of 24 months in oak.
Yields
White – 45-80 hl/ha.
Red – 55-70 hl/ha.
Viticulture
Traditional vineyards are pruned en vaso and more modern vineyards en espaldera.
Vineyard Altitude
Vineyards are planted between 1,900-2,300 feet above sea level.
Vineyard Area
Roughly 3,700 hectares (9,139 acres)
