Located in the Duero River Valley, the region
boasts some of the oldest quality wine growing tradition
in Spain, as the home to Vega Sicilia.
The climate of Ribera del Duero is continental,
with slight influences from the nearby Atlantic. Hot summers
and cold winters with significantly colder evenings in the
growing season contribute to the necessary slow ripening
of the grapes. The soils are poor, with a significant limestone
content, in addition to clay. Most of the vineyards are
located between 750 and 850 meters above sea level.
The main red grape varieties are Tempranillo
(Tinto del Pais) planted in about 80% of the vineyards.
The remaining plantings are of Garnacha Tinta, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot.
The small amount of white wine produced is made from the
varietal Albillo.
DOC Rioja
Named after the rio Oja (river Oja), Rioja
is located in the Ebro river valley in the northeast of
Spain. Rioja is divided into three zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja
Alavesa, and Rioja Baja.
The climate of Rioja is milder than many of
the wine-growing regions of Spain. The Sierra de Cantabria
in the north and the west shield the region from the Atlantic
winds and rains. The altitude ranges greatly; from 300m
above sea level in the east to 800m above sea level in the
north west. Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa share a similar
climate, although Rioja Alta has clay and limestone soils,
while Rioja Alavesa comprises of chalkier soils and higher
elevation. Rioja Baja, however, has more of a Mediterranean
climate. Drought is frequently a problem in Rioja Baja.
Climatic generalizations and comments about
soil and condition are difficult to make about Rioja. The
region is so large, and sub-climates so varied, that there
are many different wine producing regions within the one
region.
Tempranillo is the main variety grown in Rioja,
with smaller plantings of Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo
(Carinena).
The white varietals are Viura (the majority),
Malvasia, and Garnacha Blanca. White wines are primarily
produced in Rioja Baja.
DO Toro
The climate of Toro is extreme continental,
with severely harsh winters and brief summers. The dry and
stony alluvial soil make up remote vineyards at an altitude
of 650 to 750 meters above sea level.
The principal grape variety of the region
is Tinta de Toro, which is a local variant of Tempranillo
that has acclimated to the climatic extremes of the region.
There are also plantings of Garnacha in the region.
Permitted white grape varietals are Malvasia
and Verdejo.
DO La Mancha
La Mancha is the largest wine region of Spain
covering 400,000 hectares in the center of the country.
However, only 190,000 hectares of that land are granted
DO status.
The climate for La Mancha is extreme continental,
with drought-like conditions prevalent in almost every vintage.
The main varietal planted is Airen; a white varietal, which
is the most widely planted vine in the world. The majority
of Airen is used in the production of Brandy, but some white
wine is produced from it as well. In addition, other white
varietals found are Macabeo, Pardilla, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon
Blanc. Red varietals in the region are Cencibel (the majority
of the red plantings), Garnacha, Moravia, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, and Syrah.
VT Tierra de Castilla
Given VT status in 1999, Tierra de Castilla
is a massive region in central Spain, covering 600,000 hectares
of vineyard plantings. Over a landscape of plains with a
hot, arid climate, winemakers are experimenting with European
varietals, as well as the native Spanish vines. The region
is currently experiencing an improvement in the quality
of its’ wines, and is focusing on modernization of
viticulture, and vinification techniques.
VCIG Valtiendas
With a higher average altitude than Ribera
del Duoro, and severe temperature changes season to season,
terroir specific wines are produced in a ecologically progressive
environment. The principal red varietal grown in the region
is tinta de pais (tempranilllo), and the white varietal
is albillo. There are also vines of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Garnacha, and Syrah used primarily for blending.
DO Ribera del Guadiana
Located in Extramadura, to the west of La
Mancha, bordering Portugal, is where Ribera del Guadiana
can be found. The name is taken from the river that can
be found running through the vineyards. Made up of six sub
regions within two provinces; Badajoz to the south, and
Caceres to the north; DO status was granted upon the merging
of the sub regions, formerly all holding VT status.
The largest sub region is Tierra de Barros,
which accounts for 80% of the vineyard production in the
DO. Clay and limestone are predominant in the soils, giving
basis for the name, which means “mud country.”
However, due to the large area of the region, the landscape
and soil variation amongst the other sub regions is great.
Ribera del Guadiana has shown incredible growth
and change in its’ modernization of harvesting methods
and vineyard techniques, as well as the renewal of native,
indigenous varietals. In addition, the government of Extramadura
is actively encouraging the planting of international grape
varietals, and modernization of winery facilities. Stylistically,
emphasis is being placed on purity of fruit in young wines,
and well balanced older wines that will be widely accepted
throughout Spain, and internationally.
There are twenty nine varietals planted in
the region, some of which are native to the area, and are
not found elsewhere in Spain, or Europe. The principal red
varietals planted are Garnacha Tinta,Tempranillo,Bobal,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Graciano, Mazuela, Merlot, Monastrall,
Syrah, Jaen Tinto, and Pinot Noir. Principal white varietals
are Alarije, Borba, Cayetana Blanca, Pardina, Viura, Chardonnay,
Chelva, Malvar, Parellada, Pedro Ximenez, Verdejo, Eva,
Ciguente, Perruno, Moscatel del Alejandro, Moscatel de Grano
Menudo, and Sauvignon Blanc.
