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 Mencía, the main red grape here, occupies 70% of the vineyards and is still being planted while Doña Blanca (10%) is declining. Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Tempranillo are experimental red grapes and Godello, the white grape that has become the star of neighbouring Valdeorras, is also being planted (1.5%). Vineyards are planted on terraces and slopes. Espalier-trained planting with 3 metres between vines is replacing the traditional narrow rows of 1.5 square metres (5 feet). Peronospora and oidium are common in Bierzo vineyards, as is occasional botrytis. They are all treated by spraying. Occasional grape-moths and red spider are treated with systemic insecticides. The vintage begins between the 15th and 20th of September.
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