Airen is Spain's most extensively planted grape, now largely used to make brandy, except for a few hardened winemakers, who have revived this drought resistant bush vine to make their wines with. It is said to be the Worlds third most planted grape varietal, but not many have heard of it, right?
Those that do make their wines from the Airen grape are sought after by those that know this varietal, as, apart from it being in short supply in wine form, it also produces a truly remarkable wine, which is usually bolder in style, yet lower in acidity, thus lending itself to food more than some of its other Spanish counterparts.
The provinces of Ciudad Real, Toledo, and only slightly less so Albacete and Cuenca have the highest concentrations of Airen, which is by far the most plentiful in the Valdepeas and La Mancha DOs. Due to its low vine density, Airen in La Mancha is regarded as having the world's largest area dedicated to a single grape variety. Significant amounts of it are also present in Madrid and as far south as Montilla-Moriles.
If you are looking for something a little different that will certainly start the conversation at your next dinner party then try Airen wines from Great Wines Direct and see who asks you what it is!
