Overview
The Region of Madrid has four wine subzones perfect for wine tourism: Navalcarnero, Arganda, San Martín and El Molar. In fact, you can enjoy many activities related to wine in the charming towns that make up this route: visits to wineries, themed tours, tastings, workshops, picnics in the vineyards, etc.You should also take advantage of the visit to learn about the interesting history of these towns –so closely linked to wine–, as well as their heritage, traditions and gastronomy (with star dishes such as cocido madrileño).
History of Madrid Wine Region
Winemaking in the region of Madrid is an old custom. History of viticulture in central Spain dates back to the Ancient Romans, who brought first vines here. and rural areas have been traditional suppliers to the city’s inhabitants for centuries, especially since Philip II made it the permanent capital in 1561.
Red wines are the heart and soul of the region produced mostly from Tempranillo or Garnacha, but one can also find some decent white wines from Madrid wine region. By the end of the 20th Century, many wines in Spain had developed a reputation for being cheap, characterless and poorly crafted. However, later in history, changes in wine consumption habits and a stronger economy increased demand on higher quality wines. To meet the newly-acquired tastes, the denomination of origins needed to make a change. For decades the bodegas produced everyday ordinary wine, but they soon had to respond to more demanding customers, which they have done with extremely impressive results.
Subregions and Grape Varieties of Madrid
The Vinos de Madrid DO covers three subregions, each with distinguishing characteristics. East from Madrid, you will find Arganda, which is the largest subregion with more than 50% of Madrid’s vineyards and 60 % of its total production. In the southwest, Navalcarnero is forming the middle section of the region and produces 15% of its wine. In the west of Madrid, you can experience the highest altitude vineyards of San Martin. The local climate is strongly continental, with extreme variations in seasonal temperatures. The soil is a mixture of clay and lime. Some interesting rosé wines are also produced here.
The Vinos de Madrid DO produces high-quality red wines in Arganda with mainly Tempranillo grape variety and in San Martin where Garnacha is more in the centre of production. As for Navalcarnero, they use both grape varieties, which could be also in blend.
As for white wines, the west part of the region is more focused on Abillo grape variety when in the southern and eastern part, the region is more Malvar forward.
Full list of grape varieties: Besides four main grape varieties(Tempranillo, Garnacha, Abillo and Malvar), Madrid wine region is also permitted to use following grapes.
White: Airen, Macabeo, Parellada, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat and Torrontes.
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Graciano, Merlot, Negral (Granacha Tintorera), Petit Verdot and Syrah.
What to Expect from Madrid Wines
Many people think of the famous red wines from Spain but many spectacular white wines are also made throughout this Mediterranean country. Classification of wines in Madrid wine region is similar to most of the region in Spain, which based on the ageing process and it distinguishes four categories: Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva, Sobremadre, and Espumosos(sparkling).
Madrid wine region is young and upcoming region with very interesting wines, which are more casuale comparing to more famouse wines from the regions such as Rioja or Ribera del Duero.
Red wine produced from Tempranillo grapes is light-bodied and perfect for everyday drinking. It express freshness and fruitiness with balaced acidity. Tempranilo from Madrid wine region pairs well with variety of dishes including white meats such as chicken and pork.
Single Varietal Garnacha wines are produced around Madrid from high elevation vineyards. This red wine is highly concentrated and complex, expressing flavours of dark raspberry with subtle, white pepper spice notes.
Brut Nature Blanco is the only sparkling wine made in Madrid. Crisp, fruity and slightly bitter, this is a delicious local alternative to Cava, especially during the holidays.
Types of wine in Madrid
These are pretty similar to most of the wine regions in Spain that classify the wines according to the ageing process:
- Joven:
This means ‘young wine’ and works for whites, rosés and reds. They are considered Young because there is no barrel period before bottleing or it is shorter than Crianza.
- Crianza:
Two conditions for whites, rosés and reds: first, at least 6 months in 225 litres oak barrel. Second, at least 24 months by adding the barrel and the bottle ageing.
- Reserva:
Red wines
Two conditions: first, at least 12 months ageing in 225 litres oak barrel. Second, at least 36 months by adding the barrel and the bottle ageing.
White and Rosé wines
Two conditions: first, at least 6 months in 225 litres oak barrel. Second, at least 24 months by adding the barrel and the bottle ageing.
- Gran Reserva:
Red wines
At least 24 months ageing in 225 litres oak barrel plus at least 36 more months ageing in the bottle.
White and Rosé wines
Two conditions: first, at least 6 months in 225 litres oak barrel. Second, at least 48 months by adding the barrel and the bottle ageing.
- Sobremadre:
For those wines that contain endogenous CO2 remaining from the alcoholic fermentation of the grape juice and its berries (grapes) as well (they call this process Sobremadre that means the juice is fermenting over its own mother (the berries) and kept together in the tank (no rackings) for no longer than 6 months. The wine will be bottled directly from the tank by despising the top (in contact with oxigen) and the bottom (where the grape leftovers are). This is a very traditional Madrid wine elaboration method, common for whites.
- Espumosos (Sparkling):
They could be made by following the traditional method (champenoise) from white and rosé grapes, for instance: Albillo Real, Malvar, Parellada, Torrontes, Macabeo (Viura), Garnacha (Grenache) and Tempranillo. The bottle ageing process should last at least 9 months.
Where to Taste Wines Around Madrid
You can enjoy a glass of D.O. Vinos de Madrid in wine bars around Madrid but why don’t you go more rural and taste them straight from the source in a natural setting?
Check out some of our local partner wineries:
Enoteca Quebél is located 45 minutes drive from Madrid. It is a family-run winery which focuses on production limited quantity of high-quality wines from traditional Spanish grapes. All the activities in their estate are organic and sustainable to protect nature and their farm.
The guests at the Qubel winery will meet their winemaker, who will tell you about their history and tradition. The owner and winemaker take you through the winery, and you will learn directly from him all the technical aspects about the elaboration of their wines. The explanation is extensive, until reaching the entrails of the wine, acquiring a good understanding of its impact on quality.
Later you will go to the Enoteca Qubél for a commented tasting of three wines married with tapas. Their offer is unique because they are a small, family-run business and can adapt the experience according to the interest of the client and the conditions.
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Activity Type:Visit & Tasting
Wines in tasting:1 – 3
Wine Types:Red Wine, White Wine,
Thing you will see:Winery, Cellar, Tasting room, Laboratory,
Duration:2 hours 30 minutes
Minimum People:6
Maximum People:25
Winery:Bodega Y Enoteca Qubél
Location:
Bodega Y Enoteca Qubél at c/ Real, 14, Pozuelo del rey, Madrid, 28813, Spain
Individual Price:20 €
Availability:
All activities are carried out at any time, always with an agreed reservation.
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