We look for the best places that meet these conditions, because our goal is perfection and we know that this begins at the origin.
Clayey soils: gravel, pebbles, clay.
Specialty soils are usually loose and well-drained. The loose structure allows roots to penetrate deeper so they can fully absorb nutrients and water from the soil, while the excellent drainage helps the vineyard drain quickly during the rainy season . The water retained in the spongy soil provides suficient moisture for the vines to grow and also keeps the roots cool in the hot summer months. The gravels and pebbles also have a great capacity to store and dissipate heat, storing it during the day and gradually releasing it to the vines at night, facilitating the heat needed for the grapes to ripen and for them to accumulate more sugars and sustances, thus bringing a greater variety of flavors to the wine .
Sedimentary rocks soil: flint, limestone.
Sedimentary rocks are rocks formed at shallow depths in the earth’s surface by weathering of other rocks and some volcanic eruptions that have been transported, deposited and lithified by water or glaciers . The sedimentary rock soil structure has been praised as the best in the world for grape growing . Wines produced on calcareous soils, which drain and store water well, tend to have a powerful body, with energetic and direct acidity . In contrast, flint-based soils are compact and hard . These soils store and reflect heat well, helping the grapes to ripen and giving the wines a rich mineral flavor .
Metamorphic rocks soil: slate, schist, gneiss.
Metamorphic rocks are formed from magmatic or sedimentary rocks that had first formed in the earth’s crust and have undergone changes in their mineral and chemical composition under the influence of changing environmental conditions. This type of rock, more solid and less fertile, is also suitable for grape growth . Relatively poor metamorphic soils, which exhibit rapid drainage and are rich in minerals, produce wines of great style, power and minerality .
Igneous rocks soil: granite, volcanic rocks.
Igneous rocks are formed by the cooling and solidification of magma following a volcanic eruption . It is fine grained and has good drainage capabilities, as well as the ability to store and reflect heat and store water . The mineral content of volcanic rocks allows the production of wines with a rich mineral flavor . Granite soils have a high pH value and are very permeable, so vines growing on them tend to be deeply rooted and produce wines with high acidity, finura, layers and floral aromas .
Continental climate
The continental climate is characterized by four distinct seasons, with hot summers, colder winters and low rainfall. During the vine growing season, the continental climate is characterized by a large temperature difference between day and night, resulting in very intense flavors in the grapes grown. In some of the higher altitude appellations the annual temperature difference can reach 60°C throughout the year (with highs of 40°C in summer and lows of -18°C in winter) and the difference between day and night can reach 20°C . This results in wines of this type of appellation, with more intense and concentrated flavors.
Mediterranean climate
The Mediterranean climate has a moderate temperature variation between 12 and 15°C throughout the year. It has a mild temperature difference between the four seasons compared to inland regions. Winter temperatures are usually warmer than in inland areas. Between April and October, when the vines emerge from the leaves, temperatures can vary up to 10°C . Sunshine is very abundant and summers are very dry. This dry and sunny climate during the growing season favors most grape varieties. The long hours of sunshine in summer confirms wines with more body, riper tannins and lower acidity.
Oceanic climate
The climate is characterized by mild winters and cool summers. Precipitation and snowfall are moderate, with the main rains occurring in autumn and winter, and the average annual temperature is pleasant . Although the climate is temperate, the amount of rainfall influye decisively in the vineyards . The difference in quality of each vintage is closely linked to the amount of rainfall in autumn . Therefore, wines produced in oceanic climates are usually more balanced , with moderate acidity and a more marked expression of terroir.