Valtiendas wines, “D.O. Valtiendas”, come from one of the most appreciated and unique wine regions of Castilla y León, in the province of Segovia. The area is located about 13 kilometers from Sepúlveda, and its proximity to this medieval town adds a fascinating historical and cultural context to the wines. With an extreme weather and unique soils, the Valtiendas region has made the most of its natural characteristics to produce wines that reflect the essence of the Segovian landscape and part of Sepúlveda’s personality, and the origin of the wines of Valtiendas is the result of a long tradition of winemaking in Segovia.
The origin of Valtiendas wines dates back to Roman times, when the lands of Castilla began to be used for vine cultivation. For centuries, wine was part of the daily and economic life of the region, especially because of its proximity to the Duratón River, so present in Sepúlveda, which facilitated the transport of goods.
In 2004, the D.O. Valtiendas was officially recognized, which protects and regulates the standards of quality and authenticity of the wines produced in the region.
Valtiendas is located in a mountainous environment and at an altitude of between 800 and 900 meters above sea level, which contributes to the distinctive character of its wines. This altitude, combined with an extreme continental climate, marks the difference with other winegrowing areas of Castilla y León. Winters in Valtiendas are cold, with frequent frosts, while summers are dry and hot, allowing the grapes to mature slowly, concentrating the flavors and enhancing the tannins.
The soils of Valtiendas are mainly clayey and calcareous, which adds a mineral richness to the wine, an element that is noticeable in both the aroma and the final flavor. In addition, the type of soil favors drainage and water retention, which helps the vines in times of drought and gives the grapes a high concentration of sugars and natural acids.
The predominant grape variety in the Valtiendas D.O. is “tempranillo”, which is also known in the region as “tinta del país”. This grape is the main protagonist of the Valtiendas red wines, which stand out for their intense color, body and an ideal balance between acidity and sweetness. However, other varieties such as “garnacha”, “cabernet Sauvignon” and “syrah” are also grown, which are usually used in smaller proportions to give nuances and complexity to the wines of the region.
Valtiendas wines usually display aromas of ripe red fruits, such as plum and cherry, and some spicy and mineral notes, a byproduct of the chalky soil. They are usually powerful wines in the mouth, with an excellent structure and good persistence, characteristics that make them ideal to accompany game dishes, red meat, typical of Castilian gastronomy and especially the Sepúlveda lamb.
Sepúlveda is located just over 10 kilometers from Valtiendas. The history, architecture and gastronomy of Sepúlveda are strongly linked to the magnificent wines of Valtiendas to the point of being able to affirm that Valtiendas is the wine of Sepúlveda.
Valtiendas wines are a treasure that stands out for its quality and authenticity. To approach the wines of Valtiendas is also to approach Sepúlveda and a complete experience of nature, gastronomy and history.
In the following link you can find more information and some of the wineries that you can visit.