Valencia
The Valencia DO, named for the eponymous town, is located in the southeastern reaches of the country, not far from the Mediterranean Coast. There are more than 40,000 acres of vines planted here, with a wide mix of varieties such as Malvasia, Pedro Ximénez (the same variety used for the production of some very distinctive sherries), Tempranillo, Alicante Bouschet (known locally as Garnacha Tinotrera) and Planta Nova, a white. There are four sub zones, and vineyards range from sea level up to 3200 feet. Red wines dominate, and along with dry whites, there is also a sweet, lightly syrupy dessert wine known as Moscatel de Valencia. The reds are quite rich, especially those with Merlot and/or Cabernet Sauvignon used in the blend.
While Valencia, being a port city, was once a very busy wine center in Spain, vineyard acreage has been declining for several decades. There is talk of creating new sub zones in Valencia, which many feel would make for more commercial wine.