The taste of what is ours: why choose D.O. Valencia wines

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Spain is among the four largest wine producers in the world, and the fact is that we produce wine throughout our territory. Currently, we have 96 Denominations of Origin distributed among the different Autonomous Communities that not only indicate the origin of the wine, but also give us much more information about, for example, the grape variety used for its production or the quality of the wine.

Some of the best known Designations of Origin are Rioja, Ribera del Duero or Rías Baixas, among others. But there are many others that do not enjoy such coveted worldwide recognition. This is the case of the Valencia Denomination of Origin which, despite being less well known than its excellent paella, has essential factors that allow them to produce very high quality wine.

Our wine-making history

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The origins of winemaking in the Valencian Community date back more than a thousand years. While other regions such as Castilla y León or Galicia focused on prioritising the quality of their wines above all else, in the Valencian Community quantity was given greater importance than the quality so sought after by others. Over the years this has been changing and now the care for a job well done is appreciated throughout our territory.

Valencian wineries have kept up to date in terms of training, winemaking and harvesting techniques and procedures and, today, we are producers of modern, fresh and contemporary wines following in the footsteps of the most prestigious and renowned Designations of Origin.

There are currently three recognised Designations of Origin in the Valencian Community: D.O. Valencia, D.O. Requena-Utiel and D.O. Alicante.

Denomination of Origin Valencia

The Denomination of Origin Valencia was established in 1932 to designate those wines whose origin was Valencian. The geographical area of the D.O. Valencia extends over 13,000 hectares which, in turn, are divided into four distinct zones according to the characteristics that give different nuances to the wines. These areas are Alto Turia, Valentino, Moscatel de Valencia and Clariano.

Upper Turia

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This area, as its name suggests, refers to the upper reaches of the River Turia. It is located about 70 kilometres northeast of the city of Valencia in an elevated area between 700 and 1100 metres above sea level. This location places the region as the highest and coolest within the D.O. Valencia. All these factors make this area an ideal territory for the production of dry white wines, with the Macabeo and Merseguera grape varieties standing out.

Valentino

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The Valentino area is located in the central part of the province of Valencia, to the east of the Turia Valley, and includes the regions of Hoya de Buñol, Camp de Túria and Los Serranos, where the vineyards are located between 200 and 650 metres above sea level. The diversity of the soil and climate in this area makes it possible to produce a wider variety of wines than in other areas. The most important grape varieties are Garnacha, Tempranillo, Cabermnet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Valencian Muscatel

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The Moscatel de Valencia area is located in the central part of the province of Valencia, coinciding with the towns of Chiva, Cheste, Godelleta, Montroy, Montserrat, Real de Montroy and Turís, at altitudes of 150 to 400 metres. Although the climate in this area is warmer and sunnier, the influence of the Mediterranean breeze makes it possible to obtain the Moscatel Romano or Moscatel de Alejandría variety. It is worth mentioning the Moscatel mistela or Moscatel liqueur wine, one of the most representative wines of the D.O. Valencia.

Clariano

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This is the southernmost area of the province of Valencia, in the regions of La Vall d’Albaida and La Costera. However, both areas are well differentiated between those near the sea and those inland. The coastal areas are dominated by white varieties such as Tintorera, while the inland areas are dominated by red varieties such as Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo.

Why choose a Valencian wine

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Despite not being as famous as other designations of origin, Valencian wines have nothing to envy to those from the rest of Spain. In recent years, there has been an upward trend in the consumption of our wines, not only on the national scene. Around 65% of our wine production leaves our borders to many other countries around the world, such as Italy, China and the United States.

A fundamental factor in this increase is that Valencians are beginning to break down prejudices about our wines and we now appreciate them and take them into consideration.

Moreover, the certifications and prizes awarded to the wines produced in our territory and under the D.O. Valencia, endorse the quality and popularity of our wines.

It is necessary that Valencian wines are given the prominence they deserve and that they become more recognised at a national and international level so that the trend we have been following in recent years is established and we get to place our wines in the place they deserve.