The climate is dry continental Mediterranean and prone to extremes. There are considerable temperature variations throughout the year and scarce rainfall, with average annual readings between 300 and 450 mm. Persistent and heavy rainfall comes with the south-western wind, mainly between March and May or between September to November.

The soil is sandy loam with medium density. In addition, it is poor in calcium, making it ideal for growing quality grapes and for producing Garnacha, the appellation’s star variety.

In fact, the vast majority of vines are Garnacha, which accounts for 85 percent of the total. However, Cencibel (the local name for Tempranillo) is on the rise, currently holding a 10 percent share. Other red varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. White varieties are Albillo, Viura or Macabeo, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc recently authorised by the Regulating Council.

Up until recently, DO Méntrida made only rosés and reds, from the varieties Garnacha and Cencibel, with the latter taking the majority share. Wines had a high alcohol content and were strong in tannins, traditionally aged in ceramic urns which have gradually been replaced with modern stainless steel deposits more apt for the use of chilling systems that allow the winemaker to control fermentation temperatures and ensure they are right for each type of wine. On this point it is worth mentioning the DO wineries’ open-mindedness in embracing new technologies over recent years, in order to be more competitive.

However, renewal has not only happened in the winery. Viticulture must also adapt to changing global trends, and in order to do so the appellation has started to plant new varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. The first gives excellent varietal wines that are extremely popular on the market, while Merlot and Syrah provide traditional Méntrida wines an added touch of complexity.

The quality of a wine depends to a great extent on the winemaking and ageing process, though the key factor is always a good must, extracted from quality grapes. Clearly it is the bunch of grapes and the conditions required to produce it that are decisive in making a good wine. In this sense, the appellation has been keen to improve its grain selection procedures, to choose the right time to start the harvest and to ensure adequate transportation.

In the context of this renewal, and despite the fact that red wines are leading the market, the Regulating Council recently gave the go-ahead for the production of whites from Albillo, Viura or Macabeo, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. These last two varieties provide richly complex bouquets and are perfectly adapted to many winemaking regions in Spain.