Vino De La Tierra De Castilla Wine Region

Vino de la Tierra de Castilla can be found in the heart of Spain - just 40 miles south of Madrid. Castilla is one of the autonomous communities that make up Northern Spain. Many visitors use it as a stop on their way to Madrid and are pleasantly surprised at the amount of culture, arts, wine and culinary delights available here. The wines of this region are famous all over the world for their distinctiveness and distinction, as they offer a unique style that is endowed by the specific terroir.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Vino De La Tierra De Castilla Wine Region

Where is the Vino De La Tierra De Castilla Wine Region?

Vino De La Tierra De Castilla is 40 miles south of Madrid in the Castilla-La Mancha region. This autonomous community sits right in the heart of Spain.

History of Vino De La Tierra De Castilla Wine Region

One of the major contributions to Castile-La Mancha's wine industry was Carlos Fernandez de Córdova, who helped make it a leader in quality. He comes from a family that owned Dominio de Valdepusa wine and vineyard in the Méntrida DO. He brought French grapes as well as modern drip irrigation from France. It was illegal to water Meseta Central vineyards before water-saving drip systems were introduced, but Carlos was able to bypass this by convincing the government that he would invest in local infrastructure for wineries.

Terrior of Vino De La Tierra De Castilla

This wine region has a continental climate, with large changes in temperature between hot and cold months, or even on different days. There are around 300 to 400mm of rain a year in this desert region. The soil mostly consists of dark, red sand clays, with a high amount of calcium in the subsoil. Soil retains moisture well and is an important part of healthy plant growth. Thanks to the high sunshine hours and temperature in this region, wines are typically ripe and higher than average alcohol level.

Vino De La Tierra De Castilla Wine Characteristics 

Castila Vino de la tierra wine is a very dark red with hints of cherry and black fruits. It has a fruity smell which intensifies the more you swirl it in your glass.

Like the DOs, Castilla wines are permitted to use many grape varieties. These include both Spanish and foreign-grown grapes. Indigenous white grape varieties include Macabeo, Verdejo, Pedro Ximenez, Torrontes and Chardonnay, whilst Sauvignon Blanc and Verdoncho. The list of permitted red wines includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Monastrell and Mencia - among others.

A number of styles of wine are available in the region, including white, rosé, red and sparkling wine. In addition to these varieties you'll also find 'vin de liqueur' and late-harvest dessert wines.

Food to pair with Vino De La Tierra De Castilla Wine

1. Pisto

Spanish people typically enjoy a dish called Paella, which is cooked by a variety of tomatoes, onions, bell peppers and other vegetables. The dish has very similar tastes to Ratatouille, which is famous in France. You can serve it as a starter or eat it cold.

Pisto was introduced to Spain by the Moors and many variations of it exist - some with potatoes, some with pumpkin, others with ham. Pisto pairs well with Castilla Vino de la tierra wine.

2. Sopa de ajo

Sopa de ajo is a traditional Spanish soup. Created by sautéing garlic in olive oil, smoked paprika, and stale bread with whisked or poached eggs before adding some poultry broth to the mix. After that you have your dish!

The soup is served piping hot, garnished with a few croutons or fresh parsley. Traditionally, sopa de ajo is consumed in the morning on Good Friday and it's recommended to serve it with a few slices of grilled bread on the side. One could say that this dish is a match made in heaven with Castilla Vino de la tierra, which combines high quality wine with an impressive layer of complexity and fruitiness.

3. Alajú

Alajú is a traditional Spanish dessert. The dessert consists of dough made from ground almonds, spices, syrup boiled down from honey and toasted breadcrumbs which has to be put into a torte mould. The ingredients for this recipe are simple and include bread crumbs, honey, almonds or walnuts, and grated orange or lemon rind. These little cakes are about the thickness of a finger and the name is derived from the Arabic hasū which means filling. This dessert pairs beautifully with Castilla Vino de la Tierra Dessert Wine.

Places to visit near Vino De La Tierra De Castilla

1. Catedral Primada

The most imposing cathedral in Spain, and a great example of Gothic architecture. You should go see the Catedral, it's one of the most popular attractions in Castila.

2. Mirador del Valle

The Mirador del Valle Toledo, also called El Mirador Toledo, is the prime spot to go to if you want a panoramic view of Toledo. It is near from the Castilla wine region.

3. The Palacio del Infantado

The Palacio del Infantado Located in the Spanish city of Guadalajara, Palacio del Infantado is an Elizabethan Gothic style palace that's been given Renaissance touches. This building was originally a college for those intending to become priests or members of religious orders, but the institution was closed in 1834 and it underwent renovations before being converted into a home. It is ordered to be built by Íñigo López de Mendoza y Luna , second Duke of the Infantado , at the end of the 15th century.

4. Parque Natural del Alto Tajo

Alto Tajo Nature Reserve is known for the canyons and gorges created by the Tagus river and its tributaries which flow throught the park, besides its pine forests and imposing cliffs.

Frequently asked questions about Vino De La Tierra De Castilla Wine