However, despite these new developments, DO Méntrida is still renowned for its rosés and reds, especially its young wines. The first are made mainly from Garnacha, which gives them their trademark cherry pink colour. They are extremely refreshing and fruity wines. The young reds are made from all the red varieties mentioned above, being fleshy and smooth.

Thanks to the introduction of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, which combine to perfection with the local Garnacha, the appellation is starting to make aged wines, attracting a great deal of attention from the experts. These wines tend to be well-rounded, complex and balanced, whilst preserving the bouquet of the variety they are made from, which blends nicely with the oak.

Crianza reds are allowed to age for at least 24 months, of which at least 6 in oak. Reservas undergo a minimum ageing of 36 months, of which 12 are in oak. Gran reservas must be aged over 5 years, of which at least 2 in oak.

In terms of sales, Méntrida wines have a range of outlets, from other Spanish winemaking regions by the bulk to bottled sales on the retail market. Export has yet to be properly explored, though there are currently some sales abroad in the European Union or Central American countries.

The area’s excellent potential in terms of climate and soil conditions is attracting some of the sector’s major players, who are building winemaking and storage facilities – adding to the region’s reputation.

Given these conditions, DO Méntrida’s aim is to give the area a boost, upholding their wine’s identity whilst keeping an open mind to the future, accepting new varieties that might allow them to produce wines more in line with today’s taste, that will do well on the international market and contribute to the region’s good name.