Third delivery of our summary at red grape varieties that are grown in Spain. Know the characteristics and where they are typical seven others: Graciano, Jaén, Juan García, Listán Negro, Malbec, Manto Negro and Mencía. In the two previous articles -I y II- From this series we have already described some types of these vineyards with which excellent wines are made.
Graciano, of the northern red grape varieties
This variety of Spanish origin is basically cultivated in the areas of Rioja and Navarra. It is one of those red grape varieties late and low production. Its bunches are medium and compact. Graciano is highly valued for its quality, with it very tannic and alcoholic wines are made. It is of great interest at the oenological level since blends with other varieties for aging wines, since it has an excellent evolution.
Jaén
This variety is very present in Extremadura, Castilla la Mancha and the Canary Islands. It is very productive and resistant to drought. With it are made tannic red wines but with only average quality.
Juan García
Its cultivation is basically carried out in the area of Zamora, Salamanca and Arribes del Duero. It is a resistant variety with good productivity. Its bunches are large and compact. With the Juan García they are made low-acid and alcoholic fruity wines. They are good both for making young wines and for aging.
Listan Negro
El Listan Negro is a variety of the Canary Islands, there is where it is more extensive and the main variety of the DO Valle de la Orotava. It is very resistant and adapted, its productivity is not very high. Its wines are characterized by being structured, fruity and mineral. They can be made excellent young and aged wines in barrels.
Malbec, among the red grape varieties of Ribera
Although its origin is French, variety Malbec has a greater presence is in Argentina and specifically in the area of Mendoza En Spain can be found in the DO Ribera del Duero. It is one of the red grape varieties which has adapted to climates with high day-night temperature contrast. The Malbec it has a medium productivity. Its bunches are medium and somewhat compact.
With it, fruity wines with aromas reminiscent of plum are made. It is a very versatile variety in its preparation. Are produced rosé wines, young and aged reds of excellent quality as it has a very good evolution in wood.
Manto Negro, among the island's red grape varieties
Original variety of Balearic Islands and the denominations of Binissalem and Plà de Llevant. Its maturation is late and it is resistant to drought with medium and high productions. Its bunches are medium and not very compact. With the Black Mantle you can elaborate structured, fruity wines and with a medium graduation. Its wines are elegant and have a good mid palate.
Mencía
Its cultivation is present in the area of Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula y is the main variety of the denominations of Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra and Valdeorras. It is a variety very adapted to these areas, resistant and with good productivity. Its clusters are medium and somewhat compact.
With the Mencía wines with a good structure are made with little alcohol and acid. They are fruity, silky and somewhat mineral wines. They can be elaborated young and aged wines full-bodied and of excellent quality.
