The number of hectares registered under DO La Mancha regulation has been reduced by 5.12%, from 179,063ha in January 2010 to 169,900 ha in 2011. Nonetheless, DO La Mancha still is the largest denomination of origin in vineyard area, not only in Spain, but also in Europe, doubling in area under vine the second largest Spanish denomination of origin.
Most of this reduction in hectares is because of the European Union restructuring of vineyards plan, encouraging the uprooting of around 11,000ha of Airen and some others of Garnacha and Moravia.
On the other hand, the cultivation area of other twenty varieties as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah or Monastrell (see the table below) has increased considerably. This situation has reinforce the position of DO La Mancha as the denomination of origin with greatest diversity of grape varieties in the World.
DO LA MANCHA GRAPE
CULTIVATION AREA
Grape Hectares 2011 2010/11
Whites
Airén 122,709 -8.1%
Macabeo 2,097 +7.5%
Verdejo 1,684 +17.7%
Sau. Blanc 1,269 +22.7%
Chardonnay 722 +44.68%
Moscatel 233 +27.3%
Riesling 61 +5.1%
Parellada 43 =
Pedro Ximénez 22 +340%
Viognier 17 +54.5%
Gewürztraminer 14 +100%
Torrontés 2 =
Other/Experimentals 194
Reds
Tempranillo 26,727 0.48%
Garnacha 4,577 -3.14%
Syrah 3,062 +17.4%
Cab. Sauvignon 2,917 +6.6%
Moravia 1,717 -13.13%
Merlot 1,038 +5.9%
Monastrell 291 +92.7%
Petit Verdot 278 +3.7%
Bobal 97 –
Graciano 70 +100%
Cabernet Franc 35 +66.6%
Malbec 24 +33.3%
TOTAL 169,900 -5.12%
