La Casita - hacienda y bodega

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Within the Arribes region there is red, white and rose wine production.

The above pictures from left to right are of Tempranillo, Juan Garcia, Brunal, Rufete, Malvasia and Verdejo. The red varities are peculiar to Arribes with the exception of Tempranillo, the world renowned Spanish variety that is synonomous with the Rioja region.

The white grape Malvasia has different names in different parts of Spain ('Blanquirroja' (La Rioja), 'Rojal' (Ávila, Cuenca and La Rioja) and 'Subirá Parent' (Barcelona) and is thought to have originated in Asia Minor before travelling via the Balearics to modern day Spain. Verdejo is believed to have originated here in the Duero valley and is a popular variety in the more northerly region of Rueda.

Many other varieties are well suited to the region's climate and soil but before they are accepted into the Arribes quality wine system their suitablity to produce quality wine must first be assessed.

The list to the right is of the currently accepted varieties of Castilla Y Leon (click image to see this bigger region that encompasses Arribes) and importantly for producers this means that they can display the variety name on the label (especially important for UK market).

Arribes is expected to qualify for DO (Denominacion of Origen) quality status in 2006 and as part of achieving DO status, the region's wine body has for a number of years been researching the suitability of other varieties to add to its currently restricted list..

At La Casita, our interest lies predominantly with red varities.

Juan Garcia, Rufete and Brunal are exclusive to the area (some Rufete is found in southern Salamanca). Each make distinctive fruit driven mono-varietal wines and work very well as a blended mix. Aged varieties are showing great potential and notably one local producer, Abadengo, has already commanded €60+ a bottle.

We also aim to plant new vineyards with Malbec and Syrah - both are well suited to the region and although well known in the market place, Spanish examples are hard to come by.

The table shows the characteristics of the lesser known varieties common to Arribes: