Spain — wine

Méntrida DO

Méntrida is one of Castilla-La Mancha's most overlooked DOs, occupying a plateau southwest of Madrid at 500–700m on granitic sandy soils. Old-vine Garnacha — some vines exceeding 100 years — produces the region's most remarkable wines: concentrated yet fresh with a distinctive granite mineral character. Long a bulk wine source for Madrid, a handful of quality estates are now producing single-vineyard Garnacha of international calibre at modest prices. The proximity to Madrid has attracted urban winemakers seeking authenticity.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Ideal Méntrida conditions; old-vine Garnacha on granite produced wines of exceptional mineral precision.
2022 Hot summer moderated by altitude; characteristic Garnacha freshness and raspberry character maintained.
2021 Reliable meseta vintage; granite-sand soils drained well through the wet spring; clean, characterful wines resulted.
2020 Outstanding central Spain vintage; Méntrida's century-old Garnacha reached peak expression of concentration and mineral freshness.
2019 Landmark vintage for Méntrida natural wine; Comando G and peers produced Garnacha of international benchmark quality.