French term which translates into Spanish as ‘terruño’, the concept terroir is linked to the world of agriculture. Specifically to the combination of three key factors in winemaking: soil, climate and grape variety. Because, although the activity of the winegrower is imperative, the weight and the grades of the fruit would not be the same without the action of the other agents.

Terroir factors

We will start on the soil. The features of the soil will determine which crops are most suitable for the vines to grow healthy and strong in this case. The vineyard of Barcolobo is characterised by a boulder soil and sand, capable of collecting rainwater and maintaining humidity in the dry months. Being able to prevent, or rather to minimise the risks of climatic accidents depending on the planting area is as important as being able to act manually if necessary, e.g. by increasing irrigation when rainfall is scarce.

Therefore, climate is another factor that shapes the terroir. But not only that, in relation to the area and rainfall, it is also important to take into account the latitude, altitude and orientation of the ground. The vineyards of Barcolobo are located in an extreme area of Castilla y León, with an average temperature of continental climate Atlantic influence, with cold winters and very hot summers. These characteristics play a fundamental role in the development of the vines, producing grapes of exceptional quality that stand out for their great concentration.

Nothing that happens on the field is left to chance. Or have you never noticed that all plantations follow a cadence? In this way, each vine has its own space and its roots can make the most of the richness of the soil: macronutrients, organic matter and limestone. In addition, the slope of the terrain and the trees along the boundaries have also been taken into account in this layout.

Finally, it is important to know which type of grape is best suited to each terroir, to ensure that the fruit is of higher quality: with more weight and more alcohol content. Barcolobo has varieties of tempranillo, syrah and cabernet sauvignon, over 20 hectares in the “Riberas de Castronuño – Vega del Duero” Nature Reserve.

Terroir is the term that encompasses all these factors in the wine world. If you want to continue discovering new concepts related to wine, follow this blog.