The altitude of the vineyards is a surprise to some and indeed when you visit you do not get the sense you are at such a height as it all sits on a major plateau. The soils are relatively deep crumbly orange red and clayey in parts. Much fruit in addition to grapes grows well in this area (with some help from irrigation) including peaches apricots and other stone fruits. All the vines are generally of the bush type. The average age of the vines is around thirty with a significant number of between 60 and 100. Summer temperatures can be very hot and winters often very cold. Diurnal temperatures vary substantially and are perfect for producing robust and fruity wines that are clearly well made and represent fantastic value when compared with many new world reds at twice the price.
Printer-friendly version