Granada Wine: Definitive Guide D.O Vinos de Calidad de Granada

Granada Wine Region in Southern Spain

You may surprised to learn that Granada has been an important wine region over the centuries.

• In the year 1505 Granada had 220 hectares of grapevines.
• Prior to the 17th century, mainly cereals were grown in Granada. When the cereal price decreased those fields became Vineyards and Olive groves.
• In 1758 the vineyards in Granada covered 1795 hectares.
• In the Phylloxera crisis reached Europe around 1858. Also referred to as the Great Wine Blight. This insect devasted two thirds of vines in Europe.
• In 1805 there were 112 bodegas in Granada
• Phylloxera reached the Spain in 1874. First detected in the Axarquía in Malaga in Moclinejo.
• The Grape Phylloxera reached Granada later in 1878. However most damage occurred in 1883.
• In total 28,030 hectares of grapevine were affected in Granada province. 

• When those grapevines suffered in the 1880´s, other crops repopulated those fields and hillsides. Typical replacements in the area were almond and olive trees. 
• It took some 100 years for the Granada wine industry to make a come back. In 1990´s the industry started to grow again. First reclaimed area was around the Altiplano de Sierra Nevada and then growing steadily.
• 2009 Granada created Vino de Calidad distinction consolidating local wine production.
• 2018 the Granada region got its D.O, Demoninacion de Origen Vinos de Granada.

If you enjoy this article you might also enjoy a Granada Wine Tasting when come to visit yourself. 

Since 2019 Granada´s wine region is known as Denominación de Origen Vinos de Calidad de Granada. This type of certification controls the types of varieties, geography and production methods used in the local wines. 

Concentrated in 4 areas, there are important differences between them. The geography and microclimate of each location varies. The seasons and harvest dates in these regions of Granada vary in temperatures, microclimate and soil types.

• IGP Altiplano de Sierra Nevada Indicación Geográfica Protegida 
• Cumbres del Guadalfeo
• Ladera del Genil
• Contraviesa-Alpujarra.

In this last region lies the town of Molvízar. Where they found the oldest wine making place in a Roman settlement. Called Lagar in Spanish, it dates back to the 1st century. 

Views over Alhama de Granada

Why Granada Wine is different to other Spanish Wines

So you may be wondering what is special about wines grown in Granada province.

Here´s a quick overview:

• Vines are grown at altitude. Average 1200m2 above sea level.
• This region has huge Temperature Contrasts from the Daily Maximum to Minimum (All year around) 
• Highest amount of Sunshine in Europe. Abundance of hours of sun. (around 3000 per year) 
• Few pests and disease allowing organic and natural wines to be successfully produced.
• There is also more mineralisation than other regions of Spain. Soil type is slate and clay. The geology of the region is rich and varied.
• Late harvest between end of August and beginning of October.

At at Glance: Granada Wines

• 2 million litres of Wine produced annually
• 61 wineries
• 2500 hectares

Wine Tasting with Spain Food Sherpas in Granada

Temperature Fluctuation

Right now there are around 20 producers producing under the Denominación de Origen label. Yet in total there are over 60 producers in Granada province. The grapevines here are planted on terraces and hillsides. Another important factor is that the roots are very deep to keep them steady on the hillside. Some vine roots in the area have been known to reach a depth of 25m-50 metres. 

 

A major difference on the taste of the wine is the huge contrast in temperature each day. The minimum and maximum temps fluctuate a lot in Granada. Creating a dramatic effect on plants. This also increases the polyphenols improving the taste and colour of the wine. 

 

potential health benefits of wine, phenolics are considered the most important phytochemicals and have been given the greatest attention for their impact as an anti-oxidant constituent of wine, and for their ability to act as a free radical terminator and metal chelator.

The Potential Benefits of Moderate Wine Consumption and Impact of Polyphenols

 

Cuatro Vientos Restaurant + Winery, Murtas, Alpujarra, Spain

Grape Varieties in Granada Wines

Authorized varieties for DOP Granada Wine:

White Varieties:

• Vijiriega
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay
• Moscatel de Alejandría
• Moscatel de Grano Menudo – Morisca
• Pedro Ximénez
• Baladí Verdejo
• Palomino
• Torrontés

Red Varieties

• Tempranillo
• Garnacha
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cabernet Franc
• Merlot
• Syrah
• Pinot Noir
• Monastrell
• Romé
• Petit Verdot

Sparkling Wine Varieties

• Vijiriega
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay
• Moscatel de Alejandría
• Moscatel de Grano Menudo – Morisca
• Torrontés.

Authorized varieties in Region of Contraviesa-Alpujarra:

• White Wines: Vijiriega, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Moscatel and Baladí Verdejo.
• Red Wines: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Petit Verdot.
• Sparkling wines: Vijiriega, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.