| Tempranillo (Tem-Prah-NEEH-Yo) - The name derives from the Spanish word temprana, meaning "early," because the grape is usually harvested during late September. It has generally been planted throughout Spain, but thrives particulary well in the Rioja Alvesa. Tempranillo prefers a soil that is rich in calcium and limestone. The varietal is thick skinned and produces wines of deep color that are not necessarily high in alcohol. Generally, Tempranillo was blended with small amounts of Garnacha, Mazuelo/or Graciano to compensate for lack of acidity and longevity. |
Garnacha (Gar-NAH-Chah): Also known as Garnacha Tinto or Tinto (Grenache in France and America). This varietal, Spanish in origin, is very comfortable in arid conditions. Therefore, it is a very sucessful grape throughout the many areas of Spain influenced by the Mediterranean climate. It is grown in the Penedes region where surrounding mountains keep the warm, more humid climate locked in. More commonly used for blending, Garnacha has relatively long growing season, but buds break later in Spring than the Tempranillo. Its must is low in malic acid, which makes it easily prone to oxidation. However, the wines it produces are high in alcohol--15 to 16 percent is not unusual. The wines made from Garnacha tend to have a more fruity, sweet flavor. These characteristics make garnacha perfect for rose wines. |
 White. Also known as Albilla, Albillo de Toro and Blanca del País. Typically found in the area of Toro, however it is also planted in Valladolid, in the Apellation of Origin Almansa, Madrid, Cuenca and Guadalajara regions. This grape has a golden-yellow hue, penetrating flavours and a light sweet taste and is high in glyceric contents. Bunches are small and loose with medium-sized grapes. Albillo is used, generally in wines as a perfect complement of other varieties such as Muscat à Petits Grains (moscatel de grano menudo) or even Grenache (garnacha) in the making of red wines. It is practically confined exclusively to The Iberian Peninsula. | |
| Albarino (Ahl-bah-REE-nyo) The origin of Albarino grape was once thought to be that of Germany, but today is commonly accepted as indigenous to the Iberian Peninsula. It is grown in the rich soils of the northwestern province of Galicia and in the most northerly region of Portugal. This varietal is the reason the Denominacion de Origen (D.O.) Rias Baixas was created in the late 1980's, which subsequently has gained the reputation as being Spain's best region for white wine. Thick skins help the varietal survive the direct climatic influence of the Atlantic Ocean. The growers use of the pergola trelising method, which maximizes the sun's rays and drying ocean breezes, further protects the vines until harvest which is usually done in August. Yields are generally lower than more commonly known Spanish varietals. The alcohol content of albarinos comfortably reaches 12-percent. Malolactic fermentation is often employed to varying degrees to tame the bracing acidity. |
Airen (EYE-ren) This varietal is the most widely planted grapes in the world. In Spain it represents one-thrid of all planted varietals mainly used to produce wines from Denominacion de Origin (D.O.) La Mancha in the center of Spain. It is a varietal used in Spain as a blending grape with red varietals to produce "claretes" as opposed to "tintos." This practice is done principally in Valdepenas. The grape is also found in the southwestern region of Spain-D.O.'s Jerez and Montilla-Moriles. It is more notable for producing dry, pleasant, clean white wines that have been cold-fermented and are easy to drink. |
Malvar - A low growing type vine of low productivity. The raceme is big and loose, the grape is big, slightly flattened, yellowish green and ripens early. The wines it produces are aromatic, fresh and have a pleasant acidity. The alcoholic strength is high and the bouquets are slightly aniseed. |
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