A white grape that is Spain’s most widely planted grape variety. Airén blankets central Spain’s hot, arid regions of LA MANCHA and VALDEPEÑAS and is used for both red and white wines. The Airén grape’s reputation for creating dull white wines is still widely dependable but—thanks to modern equipment and new winemaking techniques—these wines have been gaining a better image. There are now white Airén wines being produced that are light, crisp, fruity, and slightly aromatic. Spain’s Valdepeñas region, which has a good reputation for red wines, actually grows much more Airén than it does the local red-grape favorite Cencibel (TEMPRANILLO). In fact, often a small amount of Airén is blended with the Cencibel to create the region’s popular red wine. Much of the blander white wine made from Airén is processed further to create BRANDY. Airén is also known as Lairén, Manchega, and Valdepeñera Blanca.