Castilla is the region-wide Vino de la Tierra title for Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain. This catch-all VT encompasses nearly all of the wines in the region that fall outside the requirements of the DOs with which it overlaps, such as La Mancha. This may be because of vineyard location, aging periods, grape varieties etc as the restrictions on DO wines are much stricter than those imposed on VT wines. The VT classification allows producers more freedom in their viticulture and viniculture. The Castilla VT title was created in.
Castilla-La Mancha occupies the vast southern half of the Meseta Central (central Iberian plateau), the northern half being occupied by Castilla y Leon. This elevated plain is harsh, as temperatures are extreme throughout the year. Despite this, vines have been grown in the region since Roman times and were widespread during the Middle Ages, when Catholic monks were the biggest producers of wine.
In terms of climate, Castilla VT is continental, experiencing large temperature variations from summer to winter and even on a daily basis. Rain is scarce on this parched plateau, with just 12–16 inches (300–400mm) a year. The topsoils are mostly made up of red sandy clays, while the subsoil has a high limestone content and, critically, retains much-needed moisture.
Like the corresponding DOs, Castilla VT has a long list of authorized varieties including both local and foreign grapes. The white-wine varieties that may be used include Macabeo, Verdejo, Pedro Ximenez, Torrontes, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as well as more obscure grapes such as Verdoncho, Albillo and Malvar. The long list of permitted red-wine varieties includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Monastrell, Mencia and the lesser-known Moravia, Prieto Picudo and Forcallat Tinta.
Complementing the long list of varieties is a long list of styles that the local wine authority allows to be produced: blanco (white), rosado (rosé), tinto (red), espumoso (sparkling) and vin de liqueur, as well as late-harvest dessert wines.
Thanks to the region's high sunshine hours and warm temperatures, wines from Castilla VT are typically ripe and high in alcohol.
