RIOJA

Situated in north-central Spain, Rioja covers a territory about the size of Delaware. For most of its 60-mile length, it follows the contours of the Ebro River, with the Sierra de Cantabria mountains defining its northwest border, and a series of mountain ranges to the south. This dramatic landscape harbors a range of microclimates and soil types, with the northwest part subject to the cooling effects of the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern part more influenced by the warm.

The mountains surrounding Rioja affect the wind and rainfall patterns and help to keep summer temperatures moderate. They also encourage the critical night-time temperature drops that preserve acidity in the ripening grapes. Thanks to the mountains, Rioja's footprint resembles an inverted V, with the widest part facing the Mediterranean. As a result, Rioja's vineyards are affected by three distinct climate zones: some vineyards are subject to cool, moist weather from the Atlantic; others, protected by the mountains, experience a more temperate Continental climate; and still others bask in Mediterranean warmth.

Of course, Rioja's moderate weather is only one factor in grape quality. Soils matter, too, and Rioja's best winemakers have a sophisticated understanding of the region's exceedingly complex geology. From the fertile alluvial soils near the river to the limestone bedrock in the hills, Rioja offers a wide spectrum of soil types, challenging growers to match the right clones and grape varieties to their site

OUR OWN ESTATE

Up to 60% of the grapes come from our 320 ha estate (790 acres approx.). Around two hundred hectares of the total surface are assigned to grape-growing, whereas 70 hectares of the property are planted with olive trees.
The upkeeping of the vineyards is always manual. The vines are not fertilised to achieve sustainable, long-term productions and to ensure a good alcohol content later, nor are herbicides used. Spur and cane pruning and clearing are made every year to ensure a reduced yet optimum grape production.
The rest of the grapes that come into the winery are provided by experienced vine growers, who have been working for us since the beginning. They are given a few technical guidelines, but we fully trust them as they are aware of the importance of quality and the respect for traditional, non-aggressive viticulture.

TEMPRANILLO VARIETY

Tempranillo is a variety of black grape widely grown to make full-bodied red wines in its native Spain. It is the main grape used in Rioja, and is often referred to as Spain's "noble grape".

The Tempranillo (or "little early one" - so called because of the vine's small berries and early ripening) is the classic red grape variety of Rioja. Long thought to be a possible ancestor of Pinot Noir but now proved to be indigenous to Spain. In the last 100 years it has been planted in Mexico, New Zealand, South America, USA, South Africa, Australia, Turkey and Canada.

Tempranillo wines can be consumed young, but the most expensive ones are aged for several years in oak barrels. The wines are ruby red in colour, with aromas and flavors of berries, plum, tobacco, vanilla, leather and herb.