Spanish Grapes
Airén
Airén is a white grape native to Spain where it represents about 30% of the total wine production.
Citrus, Apple, and Pineapple typical Airén flavors, with hints of Valencia Roses.
The Airén Grape
In 2017, Airén was estimated to be the 4th most grown grape variety in the world.
But, Airén plantations are declining and being replaced in Spanish vineyards with more popular red varieties like Tempranillo.
Because of a too bold style, high sugar level and low acidity, Airén is most often blended with other grapes to make a more balanced wine, or fermented and distilled for Brandy or fortifying wines such as Sherry.
In the Canary Islands, Airén is called Burra Blanca ("White Donkey").
Airén DOPs
DOP = Denominación de Origen Protegida.
Because of low fruit and low acidity, Airén is often blended and balanced with other Spanish grapes like Verdejo.
Airén is allowed in the following Spanis DOPs :
- Alicante DOP
- Bullas DOP
- Jumilla DOP
- La Mancha DOP
- Valdepeñas DOP
- Vinos de Madrid DOP
- Montilla-Moriles DOP
Best areas: La Mancha. Vinos de Madrid.
Airén Flavors
Citrus, Apple, and Pineapple typical Airén flavors, with hints of Valencia Roses.
 Apple |
 Grapefruit |
 Pineapple |
 Roses |
Airén Profile
Airén is dry, with medium body and acidity:
| SUGAR: | Dry 3g/l |
| BODY: | Medium - Light |
| FRUIT: | Medium - Light |
| ACIDITY: | Medium - Light |
| ALCOHOL: | 12-13% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) |
Airén Food Pairing
Airén is an easy-drinking wine with moderate acidity.
It pairs best with white fish and seafood, especially with lemon-heavy flavors.
 Salads |
 Vinegar |
 Garlic |
 Salmon |
 Seafood |
 Lobster |
 Fish |
 Chicken |
Excellent Pairings
Salads with Lemon Vinaigrette.
Garlic Prawns. Soups.
Rich Seafood.
Crab. Lobster.
White Fish. Lemon Butter Sauce.
Ginger Roasted Salmon.
Claypot Rice with Fish.
(
Grilled Chicken Breasts.
Spanish Specialities
Seafood Paella.
Grilled Sardines in Green Pepper.
The Ideal Glass for Airén
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A Tulip Shaped Glass with a slightly smaller bowl can be suitable for various dry white wine styles. It guides the wine to the center of your mouth, avoiding the sides where acidity is less pleasant. A smaller bowl also helps to serve smaller quantities, and keep the wine cold. It also helps if you hold the glass by the stem! |
Airén Cheese Pairing
Pairing Tips
Add accompaniments like fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing. Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity.
Fresh and Mild Cheeses
Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the Airén's lightness.
Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Airén.
Semi-Soft Cheeses
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Airén.
Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.
Hard Cheeses
Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.
Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang.
Blue Cheeses (for contrast)
Gorgonzola Dolce: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.
If You Like Airén
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Castilla-La Mancha
Castilla-La Mancha is one of the largest wine-producing regions in the world. More than half of Spain's wine grapes are grown here.
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Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain is a prominent Spanish wine region known for its vast vineyards and diverse wine offerings. Located in the central part of the country, the region has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
La Mancha is best known a big pruducer of bulk wine particularly those made from the Airén grape.
Black Grapes | White Grapes |
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Red Wines | White Wines |
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Soil | Climate |
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Hilly |
Continental Climate |
Castilla-La Mancha DO Regions
La Mancha DO (1932)
Valdepeñas DO (1932)
Almansa DO (1966)
Méntrida DO (1976)
Mondéjar DO (1996)
Ribera del Júcar DO (2003)
Uclés DO (2003)
Vinos de Madrid DO (2003)
Manchuela DO (2004)
La Mancha DO is the largest and most known, but there are also other well-known like Valdepeñas DO and Almansa DO.
La Mancha DO
La Mancha is the largest DO in Spain.
It has extensive plantings of the local white grape Airén.
Valdepeñas DO
Valdepeñas DO is located in the Ciudad Real region in southern Castilla-La Mancha.
As in La Mancha, Airén (aka Valdepeñera) is the most planted grape veriety.
Other authorised varieties are: Macabeo, Chardonnay, Verdejo, Sauvignon blanc, and Moscatel de Grano Menudovaldepeñera.
Tempranillo (aka Cencibel) is the most popular red wine grape, and accounts for 90% of Valdepeñas red wine grapes. It is produced as a varietal wine or blended with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Syrah, and Petit Verdot.
Méntrida DO
Méntrida is a quality wine region. It produces mainly red wines from Garnacha grapes.
Ribera del Júcar DO
Ribera del Júcar wines are typical blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Tempranillo.
About Castilla-La Mancha
Vineyards
The region boasts extensive vineyards, covering a large area of land. The landscape is characterized by vast plains, making it one of the largest wine-producing areas in the world.
Bulk Wine
Castilla-La Mancha is known for producing a significant amount of bulk wine, supplying both domestic and international markets. However, there is also a growing focus on producing high-quality bottled wines, showcasing the region's potential for premium wine production.
Modernization
Over the years, there has been a significant modernization of winemaking techniques and technologies in Castilla-La Mancha. This has led to an improvement in the overall quality of wines produced in the region.
Grape Varieties
Castilla-La Mancha is home to a wide variety of grape types, both red and white. Tempranillo is a prominent red grape variety, while Airen is a common white grape. Other varieties, such as Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, are also cultivated.
An increasing demand has pushed Spain to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in different regions such as Catalonia, Navarra and La Mancha. In La Mancha, Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with Tempranillo, Garnacha and Monastrell.