Valencia

East-facing eponymously, and Mediterranean of climate and culture, the appellation of Valencia produces wines from a diverse array of styles and grapes, including, for the white varieties, Merseguera, Malvasía, Pedro Ximénez, Moscatel Romano, Planta Fina, Macabeo, Chardonnay, and to a lesser extent, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon; and, for the red grapes, Monastrell, Garnacha Tintorera, Garnacha Tinta, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Bobal, Syrah.

Wine is bred in the bone here, and at all price points. Two of the most exciting bodegas are Bodega Mustiguillo and El Angosto, which certainly deserve to be better-known.