Wine tourism in D.O.P. Sierra de Salamanca
In the Sierra de Salamanca, the vineyard and wine have always been linked to nature and to human beings. For centuries, the vineyard has been cultivated on terraces, seeking integration with the landscape and selecting the best soils and orientations to make distinctive wines; wines tied to the land. Since 2010, the DOP has protected the typicity of the wines made by 10 wineries convinced of the potential of the Rufete grape and of the complexity of our area's terroir.
A unique area for unique wines
The origins of the vineyard in the D.O.P. Sierra de Salamanca date back to Roman times. From the 15th and 16th centuries there are historical references attesting that the area was known for its wines. Throughout the 19th century, the vineyard became one of the economic pillars of the region. In 2007, the wineries and winegrowers created an association to protect the wine-growing region, promote the wines and obtain the D.O. for the area. In June 2010, the Protected Designation of Origin Sierra de Salamanca was recognised.The geographical area of the D.O.P. Sierra de Salamanca is located in the south of the province of Salamanca and covers an area of 482.10 km2. Part of the production area falls within the Las Batuecas-Sierra de Francia Natural Park and all of it forms part of the Sierras de Béjar - Francia Biosphere Reserve.
The land and the climate
Traditionally, the most important crop has been and still is the vineyard; the search for the best terroirs has led farmers to terrace steep slopes in order to plant the vines. These practices have gradually shaped the landscape as we now know it, preserving great cultural as well as environmental richness.
Zones
The soils of the area are varied and very well suited to the vineyard. We can find sandy soils derived from granitic rock and clayey soils derived from slate.
The vineyards are characterised by their arrangement on terraces on the upper parts of the south-facing slopes. Another remarkable feature is the great longevity of the vines: most are over 80 years old.
Microclimates
The climate is humid Mediterranean, very well suited to growing the vine: dry summers with cool nights help the grape ripen correctly and develop the characteristic aromas of our area's varieties.
Other noteworthy varieties in the territory are the Garnacha tinta and the Tempranillo, known locally as Calabrés and Aragonés respectively. Both are clones of the main variety, adapted to the particular characteristics of the Sierra through an evolutionary and adaptive process spanning several centuries. This gives them small distinguishing characteristics from the variety in general.
The Regulations establish which grape varieties are accepted for making Vino de Calidad de Sierra de Salamanca and their maximum production. The aim has been to promote and protect native varieties or those well adapted to the area, with proven oenological potential.
The rufete
The Rufete is the native and predominant variety in the area. It is characterised by being highly adapted to the area, with a small, tight bunch and a medium-sized grape with a thin skin. It is a subtle variety, complex to make, that brings delicate aromas reminiscent of red fruits and spices, with sweet, soft tannins that lend elegance and complexity to the wines.
Experiences to enjoy in D.O.P. Sierra de Salamanca
Discover this wine-growing region located in the south of the province of Salamanca.
