Utiel-Requena wine region

The Valencia wine region has 3 DO’s: Alicante, Valencia and Utiel-Requena. It has a long wine making history, but unfortunately the quality it offers today outside the region is often overlooked. This might be a heritage from the past when Bobal -the main red grape in Utiel- Requena and also one of the most important grapes in Spain- used to be grown for bulk wine. However, this is changing and in particular at higher altitudes the Bobal grape can give high quality wines. A number of innovative wine makers are driving this and some also produce very interesting white wines. A fascinating region in the Mediterranean region and one to definitely keep an eye on!

Tasted – Las Mercedes del Cabriel – Las Mercedes

This red wine is made from Bobal, the indigenous and main grape in Utiel-Requena. Bobal is drought resistant and typically gives bold, deep and dark colored wines with good acidity and moderate alcohol. It does well in particular at altitude to keep its freshness and aromatics. Also, using concrete instead of oak can give the wine a fresher, less heavy character.

Bodega Las Mercedes is located in the most eastern part of Utiel-Requena at a high altitude of 890 metres hence there are notable day and night temperature differences. The bodega specializes in Bobal and makes only two wines. Both concrete and (fine) French oak are used and according to the bodega, this is a mediterrenean wine with an Atlantic soul.

My wine experience

The color of this 2020 wine is medium intense and it looks still quite young with a purple red color. The wine has elegant, integrated aromas. It has a present acidity with medium, soft tannins. The oak is integrated and the medium+ bodied wine has ripe cherry and cassis flavors and a long finish.

This is surely one of the better bobal wines I have tried. A great example of Bobal combining power with freshness and elegance. An accessible wine that can also age quite well, so one to add to your cellar! Limited production with just over 7,400 bottles.

Conclusion

An excellent wine for a fair price

Wine info

2020 | Alcohol 14,5% | DO Utiel-Requena | Las Mercedes | Price range EUR 20-25

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