We continue with the fourth installment to know other eight more types of red grape that are grown in Spain and how are its most particular characteristics. After the varieties I, II y III, discover these here.
Merlot, second most cultivated red grape variety
This French variety is the second most cultivated in the world after the Cabernet Sauvignon. It is characterized by being an early budding variety that is sensitive to frost. Its clusters are small or medium and not very compact. One of its characteristics is that its skin is of very fine skin, so this produces little tannic wines, very silky and aromatic. His sugar level is medium and his alcoholic level is, therefore, also medium.
El Merlot it's used in blends to give that silky value to the final wine. The monovarietal wines of Merlot They do not need much aging in wood but they evolve very well in bottles for a long time.
M
Variety of red grape of Spanish origin, very present throughout the Mediterranean coastline. It is a variety considered main in the DO of Alicante, Almansa, bullas, Jumilla, Valencia and Yecla. It is characterized by resisting drought well and having good fertility and production. Its bunches are medium in size and compact. Its high level of sugar produces alcoholic wines and a medium acidity level. With the Monastrell variety they are made dry and silky wines as well as excellent stale wines confectionery.
Moristel
Is one of the main red grape varieties of DO Somontano and cultivated basically in Aragon. Although its productivity is low. it resists drought very well and due to its late flowering it also resists frost well. Its bunches are medium in size and compact with a very fine skin. The elaboration with the Moristel variety produces aromatic and alcoholic wines with balanced acidity. It is used to perform blends and provide lightness and silkiness to other varieties such as Tempranillo.
Negramoll, Canarian red grape
It is a variety cultivated basically in the Canary archipelago. Due to its high productivity, it has been replacing the variety Malmsey in these areas. The blackmoll It is characterized by being late maturing and having good adaptation in areas with a low altitude. Its clusters are medium and very compact. With it, light, silky, aromatic wines are made with balanced acidity. It is very common for this variety to be used to perform blends with other varieties.
paraleta
La paraleta It is a native variety also of the DO Somontano. Its productivity is high but it is sensitive to diseases and requires care. With the paraleta wines with a high alcoholic level and high acidity are made. Its wines have aromas of berries and spices, are often used to perform blends and they tolerate storage and evolution very well.
Petit Verdot
This variety has its origin in Bordeaux and its maturation is late. Currently its cultivation is spreading in various places. Its bunches are small and compact with low productivity. Its wines are of high alcohol content, tannic with high acidity and an important contribution of color. The main interest of this variety is to contribute to blends the aforementioned values and for this reason it begins to be cultivated in other areas, in addition to the one that is autochthonous.
Pinot Noir, red grape among the most valued
This french variety is one of most valued in the world. It is a low fertile variety and very sensitive to diseases and pests. Its bunches are small and compact and its skins are thick. Its must has a high amount of sugars and is colorless, if not in the skin. For this reason it is used on some occasions to make champagne and you dig. They are also used for blends for champagne and rosé cavas. Its wines are very aromatic and structured. They have a great evolution in their guarding.
Tight Picudo
Variety grown in the area of Zamora and Leon as red grape main of the Denomination of Origin Tierra de León. El Tight Picudo It is a variety very resistant to diseases and drought, although it loves moist soils. By its nature, it develops very much on the ground. Its production is high. Its clusters are small and compact, its skin is fine. With this red grape Alcoholic wines are made with very floral aromas and berries. Due to their high acidity, they are fresh wines that persist in the mouth. It is typical of the area to make with this variety sparkling rosé wines although they are also made young and aged wines.
