A few weeks ago we talked about the most famous types of grapes in the world, and we have also investigated the most famous varieties of our country. However, we thought it would be interesting to highlight the grapes from the north of Spain, including Castilla y León, the land where Barcolobo is born and produced.
Located in the center-north of the country, this autonomous community stands out not only for being the largest in surface area but also for its continentalized Mediterranean climate. The combination of both factors makes Castilla y León one of the regions with the largest number of hectares dedicated to grape growing (85,000 ha and 22 authorized grape varieties, according to the latest data from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine).
Grapes in the Castilla y León region
Among the most important types, two red grape varieties (Prieto Picudo and Mencía) and two white grape varieties (Verdejo and Godello) stand out.
Prieto Picudo, native to the area of León and Zamora, predominates in the Tierra de León Denomination of Origin (D.O.). A total of 4,200 hectares are registered in the area. Its wine is characterized by a soft color with aromatic touches.
For its part, the red Mencía, originally from the León and Galicia area (5,200 ha in the area), is the base of the D.O. Bierzo wine. This variety produces a fruity wine, destined for the production of young reds and rosés.
In the world of white grapes, the most important is the Verdejo (14,000 ha destined to its production in the autonomous community). It is the native variety most present in the Rueda appellation. As a result, aromatic wines, with fruity and citric touches.
Lastly, the Godello grape, originally from the area of León and Galicia. It is used especially for crianza wines, with a notable alcohol content and a touch of acidity.
Grapes from the North – La Rioja and Navarra
To conclude this route through all the wine-producing corners of the country, we come to La Rioja. Located in the northern part of the country, neighboring Castilla y León, both autonomous communities share ideal climatic conditions for grape growing.
In La Rioja these five types of grapes stand out: Graciano, Maturana and Mazuelo or Cariñena in red grapes; and Macabeo or Viura in white grapes.
The Graciano variety, originally from La Rioja and Navarra, is characterized by its acidity and high tannin content. Therefore, it is usually used to produce aromatic aged wines.
Maturana, native to La Rioja, is a grape that has not spread either inside or outside the country. It is found exclusively in this wine-growing area. As a result, it produces musts with low acidity but high sugar content.
In the last place of the reds, the Mazuelo or Cariñena. Native to Catalonia, it is very present in Navarra and La Rioja. Due to its high tannin content, it is used for aging wines.
Finally, among the white grapes, Macabeo or Viura stands out. One of the most widely used in La Rioja, it is also present in Catalonia and Navarra. It produces light and pale wines; therefore, it is also frequently used to make cava.
These are the most important types of grapes, worldwide, nationally and regionally. Barcolobo makes its wines, as we told you before, with three different varieties: Tempranillo (Spanish and from the most important crops in Castilla y León), Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Could you tell us where these last two types are from?