VARIETIES
Monastrell
This is the main variety from the Jumilla Designation of Origin. Synonyms: Alcayata, Garrut, Gayata, Mandó, Mataró, Monastrell, Mourvèdre, Murviedro. This is considered as the native variety of the Spanish Mediterranean region. It is predominantly grown in the grape growing regions of Murcia, Alicante and the southern region of Albacete. It is cultivated throughout the Spanish Mediterranean area, from Cataluña to Granada, and in the south-east of France. The plant is very resistant, and adapts well to drought and frost. In this area, it tends not to have any disease problems, and its cultivation can be considered as almost organic, as they don’t tend to need pesticide treatments, apart from sulphur to prevent fungal disease.
The bunches are large and dense, with small, round, thick-skinned grapes.
Its maximum potential for wine making is obtained when the ripe grape is harvested. It provides wines with a high alcohol content, which are not too acidic or tannic and which have an intense colour and aroma. Suitable for ageing.
Syrah
Its origin is unclear. Because of its name, it is believed to originate from Shiraz in Iran. But other theories place the name in the Rhone valley.
Synonyms: Candive Noir, Entournerein, Hermitage, Hignin Noir, Petite Syrah, Plan de la Biaune, Schiraz, Serine, Seräne, Shiraz, Sirac, Sirah, Syra and Syrah.
It is widely cultivated throughout the world, above all, in the centre and south of Spain and France, and in the new wine-growing countries: Chile, Argentina and Australia.
Wines of high acidity, with full-body, tannins and a deep colour. With floral and fruity aromas.
Merlot
From the Bordeaux region. After Cabernet-Sauvignon, it is the most common grape variety in the world. It is cultivated extensively throughout Spain. Also known as Merlot Noir. It is a vigorous plant, highly productive and has an early bud-break (which may be affected by spring frosts). It is very disease-resistant. It has medium-sized cylindrical bunches which are not very dense. The grapes are of medium size and a blue-black colour.
It provides very aromatic, soft, fine wines which tend to have a ruby colour, with tasting notes of herbs and spices. The nose is fruity. It ages well in oak.
Red Garnache
A red grape variety. This is one of the varieties with the most synonyms: Alicante, Aragonés, Cannonao, Granaccia, Granaxa, Grenache Rouge, Lladoner, Lladoner Negro, Navarra, Rousillon Tinto, Rousillon, Tinto Aragonés.
This is one of the most cultivated varieties throughout Spain. It is thought to be native to Aragón, but is also known in Alicante, so its origin may be in the south-eastern part of the peninsula. It is also grown in France where it is known as Grenache.
A very vigorous vine that does not need much irrigation. It is a very productive plant and is also very cold-resistant.
The bunches are of a medium size and compact. The grapes are medium-sized, sweet, oval in shape and a deep purple-red colour.
It provides a balanced mix and ages well.
The wines are balanced, alcoholic, full-bodied, acidic and slightly astringent. They have delicate, fruity aromas and a soft, meaty mouthfeel.
Airén
Originating from La Mancha, this is the most commonly planted variety in Spain, particularly in the region of La Mancha and the peninsula interior. Throughout the world, it occupies 30 % of the wine growing land, and for this reason, it is the most widely cultivated variety.
Synonyms: Lairén, Aidén, Manchega, Valdepeñera and Forcallat blanca.
Tough, rustic grapevine. Resistant to drought and disease. Productive. Large, tight-clustered bunches. Large, round golden coloured grapes.
The Airén variety produces wines with characteristically fruity aromas. Pale in colour and with moderate acidity. Produces traditional young wines.
Verdejo
This a Spanish white grape. A grape variety which has recently been introduced in our area. Excellently adapted to the climatic characteristics and soil types of our area. Other names by which it is known are: Botón de Gallo Blanco, Gouveio, Verdeja, Verdeja Blanca, Verdejo Blanco, Verdelho or Verdello.
This is a high-quality grape, one of the best white grapes in Spain. The vine growth is horizontal and the vine has a vigorous trunk. The pentagonal leaves are small to medium in size, with a slightly opened, medium-width petiole sinus lyre, a glabrous underside, and nerves with little or no hair density. The bunches are small to medium in size, and have a very short stalk. The grapes are small to medium, generally spherical or short elliptical in shape with a yellow colour; the seeds tend to be on the large side, and can be seen when the grape is held up to the light.
The wine tends to be made with this grape on its own, or accompanied by other grapes. It produces very aromatic wines, full-bodied, with a glycerine mouthfeel and soft texture. They have good acidity and a characteristic touch of bitterness.