Spanish red wines are some of the best in the world and its famed Riojas and Penedeses are widely available and remarkably affordable. Better value still -- and barely known even in the rest of Spain -- are the honest traditional wines emerging from Madrid province's own underrated vineyards.
Three of the top wine-producing regions in the Madrid province are Colmenar de Oreja, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, and Chinchón. Colmenar de Oreja's prize-winning red and white Jesús Díaz wines are made from the Malvar and Airén grapes, while San Martín de Valdeiglesias's strong (13%-13.5% alcohol) Señoría de Valderrábano reds are made from the Garnacha variety. Chinchón (of anis fame) also produces a hearty and palatable red called Viña Galinda. Look for these and other Comunidad de Madrid wines from Arganda del Rey and Villarejo del Salvanés in the supermarkets (2.75€-4.50€ a bottle) and restaurants (7€-12€ a bottle). They're worth a try.
For wider information on Spanish wines in general, contact Wines from Spain, c/o the Commercial Office of Spain, 405 Lexington Ave., 44th Floor, New York, NY 10174-0331; tel. 212/661-4959.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
