D.O. Arlanza

Situated to the north of Ribera del Duero Arlanza is one of the youngest of the Dos in Castilla y León. The region’s vineyards lie along the middle and lower areas of the River Arlanza valley, making this new Denomination of origin vey picturesque with is undulating hills and vineyard plantations peppering the valley slopes.

Towards the Sierra de Covarrubias mountains, situated in the east of the DO Arlanza, vineyards can be found at over 1,000 metres above sea level. The cultivation of these vines is made possible by the variety of diverse micro climates that are created due to the shelter provided by the mountains from the elements. The eastern area of the region is generally drier than to the west of the region which means that the risk of Spring frosts lasts for prolonged periods. The vineyards situated to the west of the region are usually planted no more than 700 metres above sea level making the grape growing conditions less extreme.

The altitude, the long cold winters and the hot dry summers has meant that the majority of producers in Arlanza have chosen to cultivate the Tinta del País variety as it gives the best results given the region’s terroir and climatic conditions. There are however small parcels of other grape varieties cultivated in Arlanza which include various international varietals. Petit Verdot, in particular is producing some interesting results as the vineyards mature.