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La Mancha
Dominated by windmills and Airen, the white grape which is still nearly one quarter of Spain`s production. It is quite possible that what sent Don Quixote mad was La Mancha`s extreme continental climate with very hot and dry summers and freezing winters, it`s a harsh environment. More plantings of Tempranillo – known here as Cencibel – are coming on stream and pre crash investment is still making a difference in the overall quality of the wines. (CW 23/01/12)