Spain — wine

Utiel-Requena DO

Utiel-Requena is a landlocked DO in the Valencia hinterland at 700–900m on limestone and clay soils, dominated by the indigenous Bobal grape — the third most-planted variety in Spain yet almost entirely unknown outside the country. Old-vine Bobal (some vines over 80 years) produces concentrated reds with wild blueberry, iron mineral, and a distinctive savoury tang; rosé from Bobal is rose-water delicate and increasingly in demand. The altitude and continental climate give Utiel-Requena an unexpected freshness for this southern latitude.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Ideal altitude conditions; old-vine Bobal showed exceptional mineral freshness and concentration simultaneously.
2022 Hot Valencian summer moderated by 800m elevation; Bobal retained characteristic acidity and mineral character.
2021 Reliable continental vintage; the plateau altitude maintained freshness in what was a challenging year across lowland Valencia.
2020 Outstanding vintage for altitude wines; centenarian Bobal vines produced wines of extraordinary depth and age-worthiness.
2019 Landmark Utiel-Requena vintage; Mustiguillo's Finca Terrerazo produced the finest Bobal since the estate's founding.