This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)
If you’re a wine lover, you’re bound to have heard frequently in recent years that wineries are planting vineyards on moorlands. Maybe you’ve asked yourself why we do this or why so many winegrowers are going for this type of plantation right now. Today, we’ll explain it to you. And the reason we’d like to explain it is that Bodegas Arzuaga was the pioneer in Ribera del Duero, plus it’s the winery with the most vineyard area planted on moorlands in the designation of origin.
You already know that our story goes back to the early 1990s, when Florentino Arzuaga bought the La Planta estate, began planting the first vines, building the winery and making wine. It was then that he decided to plant on moorland and became a true pioneer within the DO. La Planta is 900 metres above sea level and time has proved Florentino Arzuaga right for taking a bet on the moorland vineyards.
But what’s so special about the grapes that grow on the Ribera del Duero moorlands? The answer is much simpler than it might seem, but only pioneers such as Florentino Arzuaga were able to sense it over thirty years ago. The aim on the moorlands is altitude: for the vines to grow with the cooler nights and warmer days, and ultimately to find this thermal gap that makes the wine from this DO so unique.
Currently, at Bodegas Arzuaga, we have over 320 hectares of vineyard planted on moorland, something unique in the region. Because in addition to what was already on the La Planta estate, we’ve continued to expand on the Páramo de Olivares moorland, which stands at 890 metres above sea level. This influences the grape ripening process, with the grapes growing better and more slowly thanks to the temperature contrast. Moreover, the Páramo de Olivares has stony soil that allows it to retain moisture naturally. All these characteristics make it a perfect place for the vineyard.
Surely in today’s post we’ve answered many questions about the moorland vineyards that are so popular right now. And we’re convinced that we’ll be able to explain many more things to you if you come to visit us. You already know that we’re always thrilled to welcome you and bring you a little closer to our vineyards, our cuisine and our wines.