Clariano DO

Clariano DO is Spain’s answer to Tuscany, but without the tourist buses and Instagrammers clogging up your wine tour. Welcome to Clariano, the southernmost subzone of DO Valencia, where winemakers have cracked a code that confounds climate change predictions. Making fresh, elegant wines in a region that should, by all accounts, produce fruit bombs that taste like alcoholic raisins. Often referred to as ‘La Toscana Valenciana,’ this area is celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and exceptional wine production, with a reputation for producing fine wines of quality and distinction. The Clariano sub-region includes the area known as Terres dels Alforins, affectionately called ‘La Toscana Valenciana.’

Here’s the plot twist: while everyone’s freaking out about global warming destroying wine regions, Clariano’s indigenous grapes and ancient winemaking techniques are quietly proving that terroir isn’t just marketing BS. We’re talking about a place where 17th-century amphora cellars buried underground aren’t museum pieces; they’re active production facilities making some of Spain’s most compelling wines. Vintners here have also taken it upon themselves to save indigenous grapes on the verge of extinction, such as Verdil, Mandó, and Forcallà, thereby preserving the region’s unique viticultural heritage and highlighting the importance of native varieties in maintaining Clariano’s traditional wine identity. Wineries in Clariano produce a variety of fresh, tasty whites and robust reds, showcasing the region's diversity and quality. Clariano is considered the best region for winemaking in the DO Valencia, with a focus on recovering indigenous grape varieties.

This deep dive explores Clariano’s terroir, indigenous grape varieties, innovative wine styles, and the pioneering wineries redefining Valencia’s wine identity, with visionary winemakers playing a crucial role in shaping the region’s wines' character and excellence.

Overview of this High Quality Wine DO

Clariano occupies the southern reaches of DO Valencia, straddling the border with Alicante in the comarca of Vall d’Albaida. The subzone centers around three key municipalities: Fontanars dels Alforins, Moixent, and Font de la Figuera, collectively known as Terres dels Alforins. Located roughly 80 kilometres southwest of Valencia city and 50 kilometres inland from the Mediterranean, this triangle of wine country features rolling hills carpeted with vineyards, olive groves, and ancient masías. Known for its beautiful landscapes and potential for wine tourism, Terres dels Alforins is a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts.

The Clariano sub-region is located in the southernmost part of the Valencia province and is known for its fine red wines and experimentation in winemaking. The river Clariano originates in the town of Bocairent and flows for 40 kilometres (about 25 miles) before joining the Albaida River, adding to the region’s natural charm. Today, the river Clariano is known for its natural beauty, including the ‘Pou Clar’ natural pools in Ontinyent, a popular spot for recreation and hiking.

The Valencia DO is traditionally divided into four subzones: Alto Turia, Valentino, Moscatel, and Clariano. The Valentino subzone, in particular, is recognized for its historical significance, diverse grape varieties, and unique wine styles, thereby contributing to the region's overall diversity.

Clariano is divided into two distinct zones: the eastern area between Ontinyent and the sea, dominated by white varieties, with Garnacha Tintorera as the main red variety; and the higher western interior, Terres dels Alforins, where exceptional reds are produced. This elevated triangle is considered the finest wine terroir within the Valencia DO. The river’s water force powered numerous mills and early hydraulic plants, playing a key role in the region’s economy from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. Historically, the region's wine production has been shaped by co-op structures, which have played a significant role in vineyard management, winemaking, and the expansion of wine markets.

Clariano DO, by the Numbers

• Vineyard Area: Clariano encompasses approximately 2,800-3,200 hectares within DO Valencia’s total 13,000 hectares, representing 20-25% of the appellation.
• Altitude: Vineyards range from 350 meters (1,148 feet) in the lower eastern zones to 700 meters (2,297 feet) in the Terres dels Alforins triangle. This elevation variance creates crucial microclimates.
• Growing Degree Days: The region accumulates approximately 1,800-2,200 GDD (base 10°C), placing it in Winkler Region III-IV: warm but not scorching, ideal for late-ripening varieties that benefit from diurnal temperature shifts.
• Precipitation: Annual rainfall averages 450-550 mm, concentrated in autumn and spring, though drought conditions have become increasingly common.
• Wineries: Approximately 20-25 registered wineries produce bottled wine in Clariano, ranging from garage operations to established estates. Collectively, these wineries produce hundreds of thousands of bottles each year, reflecting the region’s significant production scale.

History: From Iberian Roots to Modern Renaissance

Wine production in Clariano dates to Iberian times. La Bastida de les Alcusses in Moixent contains evidence of viticulture dating back to the 4th century BCE, including the cultivation of vines that would shape the region’s winemaking heritage. Roman writers Juvenal and Martial mentioned wines from nearby Sagunto in the 2nd century BCE. Archaeological evidence indicates that wine has been produced in the region since the Neolithic period, highlighting Valencia’s long and proud history of vine cultivation. The region of Valencia has been producing wine since at least the Roman period, with significant growth in wine production occurring after the Roman arrival in the 1st century BC. Valencia’s vineyards plant a mixture of indigenous and international grapes, including Merseguera, Moscatel, and Tempranillo, reflecting the region’s adaptability and diversity.

During the medieval period, wine flourished under both Moorish rule and after the Christian Reconquista by Jaume I in 1245. Many underground cellars still in use today date back to the 17th-18th centuries, when religious orders, particularly the Dominicans, perfected clay amphora fermentation techniques.

The phylloxera epidemic devastated Valencia’s vineyards in the late 19th century. Clariano spent most of the 20th century producing bulk wine for cooperatives. The modern renaissance began in the 1990s with pioneering estates like Celler del Roure (1995) and the modernization of Bodegas Los Frailes, championing indigenous varieties and terroir-driven winemaking. This period also saw a renewed focus on quality, with producers embracing estate-bottled wines and 'vino de' classifications such as Vino de Pago to highlight the unique character and origin of their wines. However, the region’s wine industry faced significant challenges during the 20th century, particularly due to the focus on bulk wine production and a lack of emphasis on high quality wines.