DO Méntrida is a distinguished winemaking region in the north-eastern reaches of the province of Toledo. A region that is moving on from the high-alcohol wines with harsh tannins it was known for and striving to achieve greater quality and to satisfy today’s tastes. In one word: transformation.

The 51 towns in Toledo province covered by the appellation were split between different estates in the Middle Ages. The feudal lords of the time planted the first vineyards, with written references harking back to the 12th century.

However, it was not until 1976 that DO Méntrida obtained official recognition, ensuring that the area’s wines would enjoy protection under the stipulations of the bylaws adopted by the appellation’s Regulating Council. The body is responsible for upholding, applying and ensuring compliance with the regulations, in addition to supporting and promoting the wines produced.

The Castilla – La Mancha appellation extends over 200,370 hectares, of which 13.2 percent are under vines. Currently, the Regulating Council’s Register of Vineyards includes 9,609 hectares managed by a total 1,672 growers, all working for one of 20 cooperatives or the private bodegas endorsed by DO Méntrida. In an average campaign, the region collects 50 m kg of grapes.

The vineyards limit with the provinces of Avila and Madrid to the north, Toledo to the south, Talavera de la Reina to the west and La Sagra and the Tagus River to the east. It is two of the Tagus’ tributaries, the Guadarrama on the right and Alberche on the left, that irrigate the vineyards, which lie at between 400 and 600 km above sea level, though some towns are at an altitude of up to 800 m.

DO Méntrida is divided into three growing areas: Talavera, Torrijos and Sagra-Toledo, the most significant portion of their production coming from Torrijos, which holds more than two thirds of the appellation’s vineyards.