DO Cigales (1991)
Vineyard area: 2 000 hectares.
Cigales has long been associated with aromatic rosé wines.
After the area was granted DO status, producers began to show an interest in making red wines as well, following the example of other Duero valley DOs, and, above all, given the enormous potential of the region's reigning variety, Tempranillo, also known here as Tinta del País.
Cigales, just north of Ribera del Duero, is rapidly catching up with its larger neighbour.
Its old bush vines, rocky soils, and high elevation creates impressive wines with weight and finesse.
Black Grapes | White Grapes |
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Soil
Light brown soil formed by lime-bearing sand and clay, on a subsoil of clay and marl.
The soil structure is granular, not very rocky and lacking organic material.
Climate
Continental.
Long hot summers. Cold winters.
Some Atlantic maritime influence.
Light Rainfall (425mm/ year).
Strong temperature variations.
0°C during winter and 40°C in summer.
Usually spring frost.