D.O. La Mancha wine, like mostly of Spanish wines, are labeled according to the amount of ageing the wine has received or the winemaking style.
In La Mancha you can find: Young, Traditional, Aged in oak barrels, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva and Sparkling, and for each one there is a different serving temperature:
Joven (Young)
These are produced by controlling the fermentation temperature to better maintain the aromas of the wine; they should be consumed preferably within the vintage year to appreciate their full aromatic potential.
Serving temperature: 43-46ºF(whites and rosés) and 50-54ºF(reds)
Tradicional (Traditional)
Its natural life is similar to a Crianza wine, except that it has been stored either in large earthenware vessels (tinajas) or in stainless steel tanks.
Serving temperature: 45-48ºF(whites and rosés) and 50-55ºF(reds)
Envejecidos en barrica (Aged in oak barrels)
Wines from the most recent harvest with a minimum of 90 days aging in oak barrels.
Serving temperature: 50-59ºF(reds)
Crianza
Wines with 2 years natural aging and minimum 6 months aging in oak barrels.
Serving temperature: 59-64ºF(reds)
Reserva
Wines with minimum 12 months aging in oak barrels and 24 months in bottle.
Serving temperature: 59-64ºF(reds)
Gran reserve
Wines with minimum 18 months aging in oak barrels and minimum 42 months in bottle.
Serving temperature: 59-64ºF(reds)
Espumosos (Sparkling wines)
Produced by traditional method, they must age a minimum of 9 months in bottle. They are classified as sweet, dry, semi-dry, extra-dry, brut, and extra-brut.
Serving temperature: 43-50ºF
So keep in mind these tips to get the most out of your La Mancha Wines!
Salud!
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