Valencia is a wine region full of surprises. For years, it was mainly known for producing large volumes rather than really interesting wines, and it stayed a bit under the radar compared to other big wineregions in Catalunya, Rioja or Ribera del Duero. However, over the last two decades, a new generation of winemakers has started making wines that truly reflect the character of the land. As a result, indigenous grapes like Bobal and Merseguera are mostly in the spotlight.
Bobal gives wines with plenty of color, firm tannins, and ripe fruit, often with a slight rustic edge. Merseguera, on the other hand, is much fresher and more subtle, with a bright acidity and a clean, fresh style, although it can give more full-bodied examples when aged on oak. Moreover, because the region is still relatively unknown, these wines often feel like real discoveries: unexpected, expressive, and full of personality. Indeed, that’s exactly why Valencia wines are a joy to explore for anyone curious about Spanish wine.
What I like most about Valencia wines is how many different styles you can find. For example, Bobal can be quite powerful and structured, great with a good piece of meat, but it can also be made lighter and juicy with less skin contact, a style great to drink by itself or to pair with red poultry like duck or pigeon. Similarly, Merseguera works really well with lighter fish dishes, especially in its fresher styles, but it can also become a bit richer when there’s some oak or lees aging involved and can be paired with heavier fish dishes or even lighter poultry like chicken or turkey.
On a personal note, one of my favorite moments was tasting a range of these wines together with Javi Revert, probably my favorite producer in Valencia. After visiting the the vineyards and the celler we shared some great wine and had an amazing lunch. Standing in the sun between the vineyards. It wasn’t just about the wines, but more about the whole experience and understanding where everything comes from. Each sip tells you something about the climate, the soil, and the people behind it.
Because of that, I always like to include at least one Valencian wine in my wine tastings. Over time, I’ve realized that Valencia wines are a joy to explore, not just because of the flavors, but because they really show a sense of place. Also, tasting them locally, whether in a cellar or at a wine tasting in the city centre, adds another layer to the experience. From more structured Bobals to fresh, clean Mersegueras, every wine shows a different side of the region. In the end, Valencia wines never get boring, and each bottle invites you to discover a little more of Valencia’s character.
