Castilla y Leon, located in the northern half of the central Iberian Plateau, is the largest of Spain's 17 administrative regions, occupying approximately one-fifth of the country's land area.
The international success of major Spanish producers such as Vega Sicilia and Numancia Termes has greatly increased the region's profile.
The main red wine is Tempranillo (also known as Tinta del Pais, Tinto de Toro, and Tinto Fino), and with the exception of Bierzo, which is mainly Mencia, the highest quality wines are produced. Other international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah are also produced in small quantities.