The largest and most uniform of Valencia’s winemaking regions has succeeded in improving its image through the use of local red variety Bobal, a new brand image for the appellation and an increase in the number of registered wineries. Thanks to these improvements, the appellation now exports over half of its bottled production. Utiel-Requena is no longer in a stranger.

DO Utiel-Requena lies on the Western plateau inland from Valencia, only 70 km from the city. It owes its name to two neighbouring cities: Utiel and Requena. The growing area covers 40,000 hectares under vines, where the leading variety is local Bobal. A total 7,000 producers make wine under 300 brands.

Wine has been the area’s main industry for centuries, with DO Utiel-Requena’s culture harking back over 2,000 years, as grape pips and wine flasks found at the 7th Cy. B.C. Iberian site of Kelin at Los Villares reveal.

Under a Mediterranean climate with a certain Continental influence due to the region’s relative altitude (900m at the highest points), temperatures in winter can drop to -15ºC and exceed 39ºC in summer. Throughout the year, night time temperatures tend to drop sharply due to the effects of the Solano wind.

Protected varieties under the appellation are: Bobal, Tempranillo, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah for reds and Macabeo, Merseguera, Planta Nova or Tardana, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc for whites. The Regulating Council oversees the production of whites, rosés, reds, matured reds and sparkling wine or cava.