DO Uclés D.O. wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

Denominacion de Origen

The appellation covers 28 municipalities, 25 in the province of Cuenca and 3 in that of Toledo, on the western edge of the Meseta Sur plateau in Castile-La Mancha. The vineyard area, around 1,700 hectares, is planted mostly as bush vines under dry farming, with a large share of vines over 40 years old. Altitude ranges from 500 to 1,200 metres depending on the sector, placing Uclés among the highest vineyards in the region. Soils are rich in potassium, fine-textured with a calcareous tendency, ranging from clay-loam to sandy-loam, deep and well drained. This combination of altitude and soil gives the grapes balanced acidity and a low pH, favourable to bottle ageing. The leading red variety is tempranillo, locally called cencibel, joined by cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah and garnacha tinta. Among whites are verdejo, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and macabeo.

The wines of this appellation

Uclés produces red, white, rosé and quality sparkling wines. Reds show good colour depth with intense fruity and floral aromas; they are powerful, full-bodied and well balanced, gaining persistence and roundness after time in oak. Young whites are pale yellow, sometimes with greenish or amber hues, showing fresh, clean, fruity primary aromas and a soft, well-balanced palate. Barrel-fermented or barrel-aged whites take on straw to golden tones, with toasted notes woven into the fruit. Rosés range from pale pink to strawberry or raspberry shades, fresh and easy-drinking, with fruity and floral aromas. Quality sparkling wines, white or rosé, show a fine, persistent mousse, a clean fruity nose and a fresh, balanced palate. Reds pair well with grilled meats and roasts, whites and sparkling wines with fish and seafood, and rosés with lighter, Mediterranean-style dishes or as an aperitif.