3/18/2024 0 Comments Spanish wine DO map![]() ![]() The altitude also leads to higher light levels, so compared to the wines that we make in other areas of Tenerife, Benje is more fruit-forward, and the white has a greater level of glycerol.” There is also a greater temperature difference between day and night, so the climate is much more continental. These clouds tend to accumulate around 600-800 meters (1970-2600ft), so Santiago del Teide is above the clouds leading to lower rainfall and humidity than other areas. Altitude is a very important factor on Tenerife as the Alisos winds cause clouds to build up on the northern side of the island, which has an Atlantic climate with high humidity and rainfall. Roberto Santana, of Envinate, explains the importance of altitude, “The vineyard that supplies grapes for our Benje red and white wines is located in the town of Santiago del Teide at 1,000 -1,100 m (3280- 3600ft) above sea level. This is why it is home to Spain’s highest vineyards, up to 1,700m (5,780ft) on the slopes of the Mount Teide volcano. ![]() Without the cooling affects of sea breezes and altitude, it would be too hot and humid to grow grapes here. ![]() It may be part of Spain, but Tenerife lies off Africa, on the same latitude as Egypt. There are high altitude vineyards all across Spain, but the country’s - in fact, Europe’s- highest vineyards are in the Canary Islands, so that is where we will head to first. Soil quality is also poorer, and fewer nutrients and better drainage result in smaller berries and greater concentration. Studies, such as the one presented by Ramón Bilbao to launch their Viñedos de Altura and Lalomba wines from vines as high as 720m (2360ft), also highlight the importance of increased light intensity at greater height, making grape skins thicker with greater anthocyanin levels and therefore more color and aromas in wines. Cooler temperatures slow down ripening and help retain the acidity that gives wines their refreshing taste and the structure to age. But in a country like Spain, where there is no shortage of sunshine, even a small rise in height can make a big difference as temperature drops by around 1✬ with every 100m (1.8ºf for every 328ft.). Let’s see what central Spain has to offer.Although fashionable, it is worth remembering that altitude is only one of many factors that converge to create a great wine, and one that must be considered in conjunction with latitude. The first wine classified as Vino de Pago was Dominio de Valdepusa in 2003. It is nowadays a non-profit association that brings together 32 prestigious wineries from all over the national territory with a common goal: to produce excellent wines in harmony with the soil, nature and climate of each vineyard. He was pioneer and created in Toledo some of the best Spanish wines and even, a new appellation DO Vino de Pago (VP) to identify single vineyard wines. Carlos Falcó, an aristocrat, engineer and entrepreneur whose passion for wine was awakened in the 1960’s as he followed his studies in the University of California at Davis. Undoubtedly a personality plaid a key role, Mr. Too often known for its volume against its quality, that’s a mistake. And remember, it accounts for 13,4% of the total world vineyard. Central Spain corresponds to Castilla La Mancha region, it is a vast plateau almost two-thirds of all Spain’s vineyards are on these arid plains, and 50% of the wine from Spain is produced in this region. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |