The P.D.O. Utiel-Requena is located on a small, nearly round 1,800 square meters plateau in the interior of the Province of Valencia, 70 kilometres from the Mediterranean sea, and is about 700 metres above sea level.

The land and climate – with Mediterranean characteristics but continental influences – produce unique, mainly red and rosé wines using the Bobal grape variety.

The vineyards, with a surface area of nearly 40,000 hectares, make up the largest and most homogeneous area in the Comunitat Valenciana.

The region is composed of nine municipalities: Caudete de las Fuentes, Camporrobles, Fuenterrobles, Requena, Siete Aguas, Sinarcas, Utiel, Venta del Moro and Villargordo del Cabriel.

The P.D.O. Utiel-Requena has more than 2,000 years of viticultural history, demonstrated by important Iberian archaeological finds throughout the area.

The P.D.O. Utiel-Requena is a region of red wines, with those grape varieties making up 94.27% of its surface area.

The most widely planted variety is the Bobal grape, comprising 80% of the production in Utiel-Requena.

It is the second most widely planted vine in Spain after Tempranillo. A native variety, Bobal adapts perfectly to the climate and soil of the region.

The Bobal grape variety best develops its characteristics in areas of high elevations with short and dry summers.

The Bobal is a hardy variety and it sprouts late, and therefore is better protected from the risk of spring frosts.

Owing to the great quantity of anthocyanins in its skin, the wines made from Bobal have an intense colour and character, and a high level of tannins that is good for ageing.

It provides for aged red wines of intense colour, with good body and complex flavours. It is also an ideal varietal for making reds using carbonic maceration, as well as fruity rosé wine with a unique colour.

The skin of the Bobal has a high resveratrol level, an anti-carcinogenic substance with positive health benefits for the heart.

A scientific study has shown that resveratrol contributes metabolising fats.

At present, the Bobal grape is used for health and natural products such as juice, biscuits, marmalade and ice cream.

The ripe grape is low in sodium and rich in potassium, contains high levels of oligoelements and vitamins, with the main organic acids, malic and tartaric.

The latter, with its salt content, is considered important and very healthy. (More information at www.bobal.es)

Tempranillo is the second most planted grape variety in Utiel-Requena, making up 12% of the harvest.

White varieties

The white varieties represent 5.73% of the vineyards in Utiel-Requena: Tardana is a white grape native to Utiel-Requena.

It is also called Planta Nova or Coma. Tardana ripens late, and has a tough skin that prolongs its life.

The variety produces pale, golden-yellow toned white wines with distinct and intense fruity aromas (pineapple, apple, and so on). In the mouth, the wines are fresh and balanced, well-structured, and persistent.

Macabeo is a white variety with a greenish, straw colour, and an intense and fruity aroma.

Merseguera variety is only planted in the highest elevations in the region.