Soil

From the geomorphologic perspective, the territory corresponds the Miocene. The soil is formed by tertiary and quaternary silts: sands, limestone and clay loam, which lie on clay and marl.

The soil has a weak granular structure, between fine and medium, with scarce stone content and little organic matter (0.7 to 1.6%). It lies on clay and marl, which is sometimes mixed with sands and gravels. Its limestone content is very variable, oscillating between 1% in Cabezón and 35% in Valoria. In general, it contains enough potassium, but it is low in phosphorous. Its ph is around 8.1.

Climate

It corresponds to the continental climate with an Atlantic influence and strong thermal oscillations, both during the day and throughout the year. It is characterized by its irregular rainfall and intense summer drought; the winters are harsh and long with frost and frequent fog with the prevalence of Westerly and Southwesterly winds.

The average annual number of hours of sunshine is 2,616, with a maximum of 371 hours in July, and a minimum of 87 hours in December. The average annual rainfall is 407 mm which is distributed over 93 days a year. The average annual temperature is 12.2° C, with thermal cycling that varies between 39 and -6° C.

Authorized varieties

RED WINE GRAPES Tinta del país Also known as Tempranillo. It is considered the main grape variety in this Designation, it occupies 70% of the grape-producing area. It produces excellent rosé due to its aromatic potential, colour, rich extract and the violet colour it gives to the wines. It is used 100% in the production of red wines. Garnacha tinta In the district of Cigales it occupies 20% of the grape-producing area. This wine grape gives the wine freshness, fineness, alcoholic content, fruitiness and smoothness. Garnacha gris In the area, this wine grape is usually mixed in the plantation, generally with the previous grape, occupying 2% of the grape-producing area. It gives the wine characteristic aromas with a very interesting complexity.

WHITE WINE GRAPES Verdejo This grape is not widely grown and only occupies 4%. It is fermented with a mixture of the other varieties to obtain rosés, adding its aromatic potential, its brightness and, above all, its quality. Albillo This grape produces very sweet, aromatics musts with high acidity. It is essential in the production of red wines, in small proportions (4 to 7%) adding a great fineness.

Biological cycle

Budding First days of May Flowering From 10th to 20th June Harvest Second fortnight of September Leaves fall Second fortnight of October

The vegetative cycle of the different grape varieties of the area depends on the climate and the actual grape variety, the table on the right shows average values for the different stages of the cycle.