The variety is Utiel-Requena DO's most-planted white-wine grape, although it is still very much in the minority overall – the red variety Bobal is the region's specialty. Planta Nova is also permitted in the DO wines from Valencia and VDT wines of El Terrerazo.
Planta Nova is most often used in blends with international grapes such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc or other local grapes such as Macabeo (Viura) and Merseguera. The few varietal examples are pale straw-yellow in color with a golden hue. Planta Nova wines are fresh and carry good acid, despite being quite rustic in character. Lemon and other citrus fruit flavors are most common, with hints of green apple. Planta Nova wines are best drunk joven (in their youth).
Planta Nova is often called Coma or Tardana, the latter perhaps to the variety's tendency to ripen late or tarde in Spanish. This trait is perhaps encouraged by the high altitudes (up to 2950ft/900m) of the Utiel-Requena DO. DNA-profiling has proven its parent varieties as Heptakilo and Royal.
Synonyms include: Tardana, Coma.
Food pairings for Planta Nova wines include:
- Warm salad with grilled summer vegetables
- Seared scallops
- Spanish paella
