This is a small winery established in 2001, producing about 200,000 bottles a year. The vineyards are 900-1600m above sea level, growing mainly Merlot and Tempranillo grapes with some Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The grapes for the white wines are bought in. The dry continental climate with a wide daily range of temperatures of up to 30˚C helps the grapes mature better and improves the flavour of the wines.
Grapes are picked by hand and are refrigerated before pressing to improve the flavour. They are passed through a machine to separate the grapes from the stems before being placed in the large stainless steel presses.
After fermentation, the wine is aged in barrels which are stored in caves. American, French and Central European oak barrels are used, depending on the wine being produced. The temperature of 19-21˚ within the caves is optimal for aging. The humidity is kept at 70% which reduces evaporation from the barrels.
The length of time spent in the barrels and bottles depends on the wine being produced.
The winery produces four different red wines, three white wines and a rose wine.
The tour also includes a sampling of three different wines. Measures are generous and cheese and ham nibbles are provided.
We were late arriving at the winery and the winery tour was very brief. All information was in Spanish which had to be interpreted for us. I found the explanation confusing and unhelpful. The wine tasting afterwards was good with some serious red wines to try…. There was a chance to buy wine afterwards. The wines are sold locally although they are looking to expand production and export their wines. winery does not export its wines yet.
The winery is open Monday – Saturday 10-2 and 4.30-7
“Website”:http://www.bodegaspagodealmaraes.com/
I visited here as part of a “‘Flavours of Spain'”:http://www.solosholidays.co.uk/spain/discovery-tours/flavours-of-spain holiday arranged with “Solos Holidays.”:http://www.solosholidays.co.uk/
My detailed trip report with all my pictures is
“here.”:http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/otherholidays/spain/index.html
