Oenological route through the DO Mondéjar

Castilla-La Mancha is a land of wines. Not surprisingly, it is the community with the largest number of denominations of origin and the one that dedicates the most extension to the cultivation of grapes for winemaking. We look at the DO Mondéjar, in the province of Guadalajara, just one hour from Madrid.

The proximity of the Buendía and Sacedón swamps gives these lands an ideal microclimate for growing vines and making wines, which were already recognized in the 16th century. We suggest a trip to the Alcarria to get to know the Mondéjar wines.

This is how the DO Mondéjar wines are

Side

Although recognition as a DO came in 1997, Mondéjar wine was known and appreciated since the time of Felipe II. They were nobility and clergy, the House of Mendoza and the Order of Calatrava, the main promoters of viticulture in the area. Mondéjar provided wines to the Austrian Court and the documents of the time speak of abundant, good and delicate wines.

The DO Mondéjar includes 2,100 hectares of production divided among 20 municipalities: Zorita, Zorita de Canes, Albares, Yebra, Driebes, Almoguera, Mazuecos, Loranca de Tajuña. Almonacid de Zorita, Escopete, Escariche, Valdeconcha, Pioz, Sayatón, Pozo de Almoguera, Pastrana, Illana, Fuentenovilla, Sacedón and Mondéjar.

Climate and soils

The climate of the area is considered mild mediterranean. Thanks to the confluence of the Tajuña and Tajo rivers, the proximity of the swamps and its extensive plains, the area offers an optimal terroir for viticulture.

The soils of the southern zone are red and clayeylittle stony and rich in phosphorus.

The second classification describes soils limestonerich in carbonates and calcium.

grape varieties

grape varieties authorized in the Denomination of Origin Mondéjar are:

• Inks: tempranillo or cencibel, merlot, syrah Y Cabernet Sauvignon.
• White: malvar, verdejo, muscat of small grain, macabeo, sauvignon-blanc and Torrontés.

Mondejar wines

Tradition makes the whites made with Malvar and Torrontés one of the most appreciated wines in this area. Torrontés is a traditional grape in the region and there are centenary or more than 50-year-old vines of this variety.

The wines accepted by the DO are white, rosé and red.

Whites

The torrontés whites they are aromatic, perfumed and expressive. Due to its characteristics and its acidity, this grape is perfect for making young and fruity wines. The torrontés monovarietals are clean and crystalline, with pale yellow tones and golden highlights. They are fresh wines, with hints of white fruit and silky on the palate.

The whites made with malvar they are straw-colored, with herbaceous aromas and citrus notes. They are fresh, elegant and easy to taste wines.

Reds

The tempranillo It is the predominant grape in the red wines made in the area. Young people are produced by carbonic maceration, with intense colors and fruity aromas.

The blend of tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon They are the ones chosen to go through the barrel.

The reds made with syrah They stand out for their intensity and structure. They are tannic wines with complex aromas ranging from liquorice to coconut or flowers.

rosés

Nobel laureate Camilo José Cela said of Mondéjar rosé that it was “a wine with a very soft and tasty mouthfeel”.

Route through the wineries of the DO Mondéjar

The Mondéjar Denomination of Origin is currently working to join the Castilla-La Mancha Wine Route with the support of citizens, winemakers, hoteliers and authorities. Meanwhile, you cannot miss visiting the two wineries that concentrate the production of the DO Mondéjar.

Mariscal Wineries

These family wineries founded in 1913 They have a trajectory that already reaches the fifth generation of winemakers. They combine traditional winemaking techniques with newtechnologies to make their wines.

Its monovarietal of torrontés, Arís and the Wish must, with low alcohol content, stand out.

Another of its strong points are its sparkling white and rosé wines, made with native grapes. Its vermouth is one of the most famous in the area.

In the winery shop you can also buy other productslocal such as cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, cheeses or paprika. The treatment to the visitor is familiar and cordial.

Santa Maria Magdalena Cooperative

This cooperative produces wines with and without denomination of origin. In his store you can find whites, reds and rosés. Under the name Jardinillo, we recommend that you try its syrah. They also produce a sparkling wine white and sweet. In its store you will find other home-made products such as liqueurs, vinegars and muscatel.

The DO Mondéjar is a jewel to be discovered within the great variety of wine regions that Castilla-La Mancha offers us. Its beautiful landscapes, its wealth of heritage and history and its excellent range of rural accommodation make this region a place that all wine lovers should visit.