On the other hand, Monte Amán’s manager describes the local Tempranillo variety to be found at Ribera del Arlanza as half-way between the Tempranillos of La Rioja and Ribera del Duero. “We work with the same variety, which is common across the region, except that here it has certain specific features defined by the climate and soil. Our wines have less colour than Riberas, but more than Riojas. They are an interesting middle ground”.

Thus,Monte Amán’s labels cover the entire ageing spectrum, from the best-selling ‘Tinto Joven’; on to the ‘Tinto Roble’, with five month’s ageing in American oak and a further three in the bottle before hitting the market; then a ‘Crianza’, with a 5 percent coupage of Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 12 months in American oak and a further 12 in the bottle: and finally a ‘Reserva’, with 18 months’ ageing in American oak and a further 18 in the bottle. This last label is only made when a vintage displays outstanding quality. “Wines for long ageing need to be truly excellent,” points out Asunción. And then on really exceptional years they make ‘Monte Amán de Autor’, a wine made from the single vineyard of Valdeágueda, the family’s oldest plot. The wine ages over 12 months in new American and French oak and for a further 12 months in the bottle before reaching its optimal balance. “It’s our best wine, elegant and with no rough edges,” explains Asunción.

In terms of sales, ‘Monte Amán Joven’ takes the lead, followed by ‘Monte Amán Crianza’ and then ‘Monte Amán Roble’. “I’m partial to younger wines with a touch of oak. In fact, I think that’s just what the market is demanding: wines where you can fell the terroir, the fruit, the variety, etc.”

Looking into the future, Asunción insists on the importance of quality. “I look forward to making wines that get better and better as our vines grow older. Quality, quality, quality! If you do things right people will appreciate that and buy your wines.”