In the past few years we have started to plant new vineyards in Arzuaga for increasing the production of our grapes and, therefore, our famous wines as well. Thus, this year, 54 new hectares were planted at the end of April. A total of 126,000 plants located in the Páramo de Olivares moors. It should be noted that never before in the Ribera del Duero had so many hectares been planted.
The choice of location is – not by a long chalk – random. The Páramo de Olivares is located at 890 meters of altitude, a feature that has an influence on the grape ripening, since there is a greater contrast between the day-and-night time recorded temperatures. Such difference makes the ripening slower and better. Besides, the moors are very healthy places for the vineyards as it is very difficult for fungal diseases arise. Another key related this choice is that in the Páramo de Olivares there is a stony soil, which is very good because it retains moisture naturally.
Although the planting as such began on 30th April, land preparation of the was extended for a year. And although the stony soil is a positive fact, it has been needed to remove a large amount of stones, around 140,000 cubic metres, so that the roots can grab and the plant grows properly. Focusing on these roots, we can differentiate two types in the vine. The thickest roots reach a depth up to 1 metre and take reserves and water. And the finest roots release more micro-roots and absorb nutrients.
Planting of new vines begins avoiding diseases such as phylloxera by grafting between two varieties: the American one vitis rupestres and the Spanish one vitis vinifera. Within this type of plant, we find the clone (specific type in the variety) of our own Arzuaga Tempranillo.
Our variety canes used are those that are cut in winter before pruning. Thus, when the plant sprouts, the previous one is replicated. The plantation is done at about 35-40cm deep. It is important to bear in mind that in a moor nutrients are very limited and water is scarce. For this reason, the plants of the same line are at a distance of 1.40 metres so the roots don’t touch and there is no competition for space between them.
Once the plantation is done, we need to wait six years until a normal production is obtained. However, you should know that after three years planted, the new vines will bear a really good and appreciated grape, known as 3-year-old harvesting or third year of plantation.
You can watch the video about the new vineyards planting in Arzuaga at ENLACE VÍDEO