Vinos de Madrid is an improving but still little known wine appellation within the province of Madrid, the small region surrounding the city of Madrid.  Traditionally it was known for joven or “young” red wines without any oak, wines that were often served in the bars in the capital.  There has been a tremendous effort to improve the wines and the area has become quite trendy here in Madrid.  Unfortunately the best wines have become so popular that they can be quite pricy.  There are three major sub-zones in the area, each with very differing soils and climates:  Arganda to the southeast, San Martín to the west and Navalcarero to the southwest.  The climate is generally very hot continental, similar to La Mancha.  Grape varieties allowed are numerous:  the most common ones are Tempranillo and Garnacha, though Syrah is catching on.  Some of the most well known wineries are Tagonius, Qubel and Regajal…I find their wines very good but quite pricy.  Probably my favorite wine form the area, though it is not an appellation wine but rather a Vino de la Tierra is Montazo, a wonderful wine made by the famous enologist Telmo Rodriguez.   The winery Nueve Valverde is in the zone of St Martin and makes two very interesting reds.  They also represent quite good quality compared to many.

Wine:  Tejoneras Alta Selección 2005
Winery:  Bodegas Nueva Valverde
Denominacion de Origen (DO): Vinos de Madrid
Alc: 12.5%
Grape varieties: Garnacha, Tempranillo, Syrah
Oak regime:  Several months in oak, 50% American, 50% French
Price:  8-10€ retail in Madrid

Tasting notes
Visual:  Medium intensity ruby color.
Nose:  Sweet black fresh fruit, plums, a bit of spice, a bit of slate.  Not too complex but quite intense and attractive.       
Mouth:  Lovely round mouth…mouth-filling, yet still light.  A bit more oak spice in the mouth…great black fruit, good acidity.  Very long sweet fruit finish…definite tannins but super soft and ripe.
Food:  It was surprisingly good with our grilled, very rare, tuna…and with our tofu teriyaki too!

Conclusion: Really nice wine…right at its peak…perfect to drink now…will last quite a bit longer, but not improve much.  It is a great wine for the price and really represents the quality of the new Vinos de Madrid.