Mentrida is a wine region in the north-eastern corner of the Toledo province, in Castilla-La Mancha, central Spain. Winemaking here dates back to the 12th Century, although today, the industry remains relatively small.
Mentrida was awarded DO status in 1976, but its progress stalled for many years as it continued its long tradition of producing basic wines aimed at local consumers, rather than adopting the quality-focused approach of many other Spanish wine regions. However, this reputation is changing and the designation in fact houses the renowned Dominio de Valdepusa (Marqués de Griñón) winery.
Mentrida is skirted by the Sierra de Gredos mountain range to the north-east and is bounded by three rivers – the Alberche, Guadarrama and Tagus – in the east, west and south respectively. Many smaller tributaries cross the region too. The terrain is made up of gently undulating hills and the earth is largely arid, except close to the waterways. Light-colored sandy, granitic soils are found throughout most of the region, and these are good at retaining precious water.
In terms of grape-growing conditions, the region is extremely hostile, with a strong continental climate affecting its ability to produce balanced wines. Summer temperatures can reach 113F (45C). This heat, when coupled with the scant rainfall (15.8 inches/400mm), means that the growing season can become harsh for most vines. The majority of Mentrida's vineyards lie at altitudes of 1312ft to 1970ft (400–600m), with some prized sites in the northeast located as high as 2625ft (800m). These elevated landscapes produce some of the best wines of Mentrida.
Garnacha is the most favored grape variety here, accounting for almost 80% of total production. At its best, it can produce robust, tannic and age-worthy red wines. It is also used for rosé wines (rosado), known for their fruity and refreshing characters. Other red varieties include Cencibel (Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Whites are not as important in Mentrida, although quality wines made from Albillo, Macabeo (Viura) and Chardonnay were authorized under the DO regulations in 2000.
Dominio de Valdepusa was Spain's first VP (Vino de Pago) and is one of eight within the Castilla-La Mancha region. The quality of the wines corresponds to those of DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada) status, the most prestigious classification in the country; however, VP status differs as it applies to just a single vineyard rather than a region.
The wine industry in Mentrida is still quite small, although it is slowly gaining momentum thanks to quality-conscious producers striving to change its image by introducing modern techniques in both their wineries and vineyards. As a result, interesting examples of barrel-aged red wines from Mentrida have started to make their mark at home and abroad, as have the more common stainless-steel-fermented fresher, younger reds.
