The region is known for its big and bold red wines made mostly from Garnacha grapes. These grapes represent more than three-quarters of vineyard plantings. The local Consejo Regulador has set quality criteria according to the age of the Garnacha vines, based on the age of the vines. The belief is, the older the vine, the more concentrated the wines will be. Those made from vines more than 50 years old are given the classification Calatayud Superior; rare but extremely sought-after wines.

Tempranillo and Mazuelo are the other main red varieties, while the region's fresh crisp whites are based on Viura (Macabeo), Malvasía and Chardonnay. Garnacha-based rosé wines (rosado) are also common.