Choosing the grape varieties that are best-suited to our local growing conditions, we have both native northern Spanish varieties and international classics.

Tempranillo from northern Spain, ripens early (derived from “temprano”) and has a thick skin, deep colour and robust tannins, making it ideal for full-bodied wines. Classic tempranillo aromas are berries, plum, pepper, tobacco, vanilla and herb. They are full-bodied and can be consumed young, but are also very good when aged in oak barrels.

Garnacha (Grenache) is also from our region and is excellent for both red and rosé wines. It ripens late, so ideally needs hot, dry conditions. It is spicy, berry-flavoured and soft on the palate with a relatively high alcohol content. Having low levels of acidity, tannin and colour, it is ideal as a mono-varietal rosé or as part of a blended red with Tempranillo, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cabernet Sauvignon has firm tannins and a robust structure, thus producing full-bodied wines. It needs a hot dry summer, ripening late, and has low yields. It is full-flavoured and has a wide range of aromas- intense ripe jammy berries, blackcurrant, pepper and spices. Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with softer, fleshier Merlots and Garnachas, but is also excellent on its own and ages very well.

Syrah (Shiraz) grapes produce powerful and full-bodied wines, which age very well over time. Aromas are distinct: black pepper, black berries, violets, chocolate and espresso. It makes a great rich mono-varietal wine and adds complexity to blends.

Merlot is soft and fruity, reddish in colour, with few tannins and a relatively high sugar content. Its aromas are those of forest fruit- berries, plums and currants. Merlots produce an excellent blend with full-bodied Tempranillos, Cabernets and Syrahs.

Cariñena (Carignan), named after our region, is a native variety used in north-eastern Spain and southern France, where it produces robust and concentrated red wines. It is an excellent component in a blended wine.

Moristel (Graciano, Juan Ibañez), grown mainly in Rioja, produces low yields of delicately- scented grapes. It has good structure, a deep red colour, strong aroma and ageing potential- ideal for Crianzas and Reservas.

Chardonnay has finesse, golden colours and an incredible range of aromas. Depending on growing and maturation conditions which change from year to year, these range from light floral and herbaceous through to intense tropical fruit. It is excellent either as a mono-varietal wine, or as part of a blend.

Viura (Macabeo) also widely used in northern Spain and southern France is a white grape that is ideal for making mildly acidic and light wines, with a pale straw colour. Its produces fresh wines, ideal for drinking young.

Parellada which is also found in neighbouring Cataluña produces delicate, aromatic and dry white wines, which are ideal when blended with the richer Chardonnays. Fresh and ideal when drunk young.