D.O. Bierzo
Although the Bierzo valley is traditionally known as a mining area, nowadays its fame comes from the increasing quality of its wines.
Wine has been made here since the Romans introduced vines and new farming methods but it was only in medieval times that the monasteries began to produce greater quantities for religious purposes as well as for general use. However, at the end of the 19th century the phylloxera epidemic decimated the vines in the area and it wasn’t until the introduction of American vines during the first half of the 20th century that wine-making began again. Then, in the 1970’s, grape-growers started to form cooperatives and that is when the production of quality wines began in earnest in the Bierzo region, culminating in the establishment of the Denomination of Origin in 1989.
The Bierzo plain is surrounded by mountains which protect the vines from the Atlantic weather system resulting in gentle temperatures, a lot of sunshine and good rainfall, less than Galicia but still in enough quantity. The vineyards run up the valley sides between 450 and 1,000 metres and are planted in loose, slaty, alluvial soils, which are reasonably fertile.
The local grapes lend themselves to making excellent wines and, with good techniques, this is becoming an increasingly high-profile region. The principal authorised varieties are the Mencía for red wines and Doña Blanca and Godello for white and sparkling wines. In addition Garnacha Tintorera, Palomino and Malvasia as well as the experimental varieties Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo are used in these Spanish wines.
Wines from the D.O. Bierzo develop well in the barrel and some of the almost 50 bodegas make wines aged on cherry and apple wood as well as the more widely used American oak. Dominio de Tares and Casar de Burbia are among the high quality wines being produced in this area.