Airen is the most planted white grape variety in Spain. It is mostly used to produce Brandy but also produces light to medium-bodied wines with moderate to low acidity and moderate alcohol levels.
Airen is a light green-yellow grape with aromas of green apple, pear, citrus and melon. On the palate, it has a soft texture and a lingering, slightly bitter finish.
Airen is widely grown in Spain, where it is the most widely planted white variety. It is particularly popular in the regions of Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura, where it is blended with other local varieties to create crisp, light white wines. Airen has good resistance to drought, which makes it well suited to the hot, dry climate of Spain. It ripens late and the yields are can be very high. Airen wines are typically fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged for a short period of time before released to the markets. In Castilla-La Mancha, Airen is blended with other local varieties such as Macabeo and Verdejo to create bright, floral white wines. In Extremadura, it is blended with Malvar and Palomino to create light-bodied, dry white wines with citrus and floral notes. Airen wines are best served chilled and can be enjoyed with light dishes such as fish, salads, and white meat.
Airen is one of the most widely planted white grape variety in the world, with an estimated 200.
000 hectares planted in Spain alone.