Our grape varieties

MONASTRELL

This variety requires a warm continental weather, as it begins to show its expressivity above 13 degrees. It produces wines with strong color and high amounts of tannin, which are also sweet and meaty. As a young wine, it produces astringent ones. Hence, its production when used alone is typically includes its aging in oak barrels.

CHARACTERISTIC AROMAS: Being a grape variety requires a high degree of sugar to achieve a proper ripening, the aromas tend towards ripe black fruit, compote and sometimes even dry fruits (fig, plum), floral (violet…). After aging it tends to aromas such as leather and cigar.

SYRAH

This variety originates in France. Although it is also believed to have its origin in Iran. It requires warm weather, what allows it to be cultivated in various countries such as Spain. Although it has obtained its best results in Australia, making worldwide known the Australian Syrah wines. It features great properties for aging.

CHARACTERISTIC AROMAS: It features a higher complexity with respect to other grape varieties. Alternating red and black fruits (raspberry, blackberry, blackcurrant…); spicy spices such as pepper; sweet ones such as cloves and cinnamon; floral; from animals (leather, musk…); smoked and mineral (tar…). Its faulty version may have the aroma of wet animal hair.

GARNACHA TINTORERA

This variety was traditionally employed until the last two decades to add color to other wines. It is a versatile variety which can be found both in humid and dry regions. Although in Spain it has reached its maximum expansion in the south-eastern areas of Castilla La-Mancha.

This grape variety is internationally known as Alicante Bouschet. It is the result of a double crossing. Firstly the Aramon variety, which predominates in the French “Midi” (Languedoc-Roussillon), was crossed with the Teinturier du Cher, originating the Petit Bouschet. This new variety was then crossed with Garnacha (known as Alicante in Franca), creating then the Alicante Bouschet: resistant to drought and extreme weathers and with high coloring ability.

CHARACTERISTIC AROMAS: Since we typically find this variety accompanying others, it is difficult to define its own characteristic aromas. We can highlight the black fruits aromas (blackberry). If the grapes were not completely ripen, we can also find vegetable aromas. Even floral ones can be found in this variety.

CHARDONNAY

One of the most popular white grape varieties around the world. It originates from the Borgogne region, in France. Where it has developed its second name: “the champagne grape”. However, this is a highly versatile grape variety, capable of growing in different climates. This feature has facilitates its entry in other countries such as Spain, Italy, USA and Australia.

CHARACTERISTIC AROMAS: Due to that versatility, its aromas can vary significantly depending on the region where it grows. For instance, it can feature citric tones when growing in cold regions as well as tropical ones when growing in warmer ones. However, a distinctive floral aroma is always present in all Chardonnay wines. In our VAEL White, we increase the power yielded by the Chardonnay grapes by fermenting its wine in oak barrels.

MOSCATEL

The grape variety Moscatel de Alejandría (Muscar of Alexandria) comes from a crossing between Heptakilo and Moscatel de Grano Menudo (Muscat Blanc) grapes. It name comes from its highly aromatic character. Which makes this wine a common choice for sweet wines.

Its origin and its optimal growing conditions can be found near the sea. Nevertheless, Moscatel vines have shown good adaptation in some inner regions where a mixture of mediterranean and continental climates appear. This is the case for many areas located towards the inner part of the Mediterranean Spanish coast.

CHARACTERISTIC AROMAS: Moscatel grapes yield intense floral aromas. On top of that, they result in powerful wines with a lasting feeling in the mouth.