| The wine-growing area is located to the south of the province of León, including part of Valladolid province and bordering on Zamora and Palencia provinces. The total wine-growing area is 3,317 km2. The Tierra de León DO lies principally in the viticultural areas of Valdevimbre, Los Oteros and Ribera del Cea (the south-eastern part of Léon and a few municipalities to the north of Valladolid). |
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The grape that differentiates the designation of origin is Prieto Picudo; it is used to produce a wine found exclusively in the province of León: Vino de Aguja, made by the madreo technique. The process consists of provoking a second, slow fermentation, which improves its quality and gives it the characteristic zesty touch of natural dissolved CO2, while not quite becoming a sparkling wine. This second fermentation is achieved by adding selected whole Prieto Picudo grapes to the must.
Great rosés, typical of the region, are made with this technique. They are lively, fresh and very powerful in fruit aromas.
Red Grapes
Main varietals: Prieto Picudo, Mencía
Authorised: Tempranillo, Garnacha
White Grapes
Main varietals: Verdejo, Albarín blanco, Godello
Authorised: Malvasía, Palomino
Great rosés, typical of the region, are made with this technique. They are lively, fresh and very powerful in fruit aromas.
Red Grapes
Main varietals: Prieto Picudo, Mencía
Authorised: Tempranillo, Garnacha
White Grapes
Main varietals: Verdejo, Albarín blanco, Godello
Authorised: Malvasía, Palomino
The altitude of the plateau where this designation is found and the rugged border of the Cantabria mountain range generate a markedly Continental climate with the following main characteristics:
Harsh winters with heavy frosts and frequent fog, although the temperature is not extreme, not damaging the vineyard.
Warm summers that alternate with low-temperature phases, leading to averages around 20ºC, ideal for vine blooming.
In autumn and spring, the day/night temperatures change abruptly, a circumstance that strongly favours aromatic strengthening of the grape.
The soils lie over pebbly areas, alternating with limestone areas of soft materials. There is excellent drainage with appropriate water retention, easy aeration and root penetration, as well as low mineral content and good depth. The soils have the correct limestone content and are poor in organic material.
Harsh winters with heavy frosts and frequent fog, although the temperature is not extreme, not damaging the vineyard.
Warm summers that alternate with low-temperature phases, leading to averages around 20ºC, ideal for vine blooming.
In autumn and spring, the day/night temperatures change abruptly, a circumstance that strongly favours aromatic strengthening of the grape.
The soils lie over pebbly areas, alternating with limestone areas of soft materials. There is excellent drainage with appropriate water retention, easy aeration and root penetration, as well as low mineral content and good depth. The soils have the correct limestone content and are poor in organic material.
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