La Mancha
La Mancha is Europe's largest single de-marcated wine region and lies in the heart of Spain. The Moors christened it 'Manxa', meaning 'parched earth' in reference to its hot, dry and arid climate - summers are hot, with temperatures of over 40 degrees celsius not uncommon, and rainfall is low and unreliable. Production quality in the region has improved hugely of late, and red wines produced from Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties are garnering justified recognition.