Understanding the soils of Finca Montalvillo

Our vast Montalvillo vineyard, on the wide slopes of the Yerga mountains (Rioja Oriental), continues to grow. And with it, our understanding of the specific characteristics of the various plots situated between 440 and 710 metres elevation. We now have in excess of 200 hectares of vineyards and an ever-increasing experience with the different soils. So much so that in recent months we have successfully identified as many as six principal types of soil.

First, an overview

Given its large size, the property is home to a remarkable diversity of soils, although there are a few general elements: they are deep, loam-textured soils with a high presence of gravel and boulders on the surface. Water retention is high, they have notable biological activity (presence of beneficial micro-organisms) and good balance from a nutritional point of view. In general, they are free of salinity problems.

Zone 1

This is the most special section of the property and the most interesting from a viticultural point of view. The amount of organic matter (OM) in the topsoil (up to 80 cm) is medium-low. Underneath this point, a clearly distinct limestone horizon emerges. The vigour of the dry-farmed vines is restrained and balanced, which is ideal to have complexity and depth in the Mazuelo and Garnacha grapes.

Zone 2

Once a cereal area, we now grow different white varieties here. They are well suited to these deep, gravelly soils, with no limestone on the surface and rich in organic matter, with good nutritional balance. The main challenge of this area are the numerous gradient variations, which require careful monitoring of the watercourses caused by storms, etc. The lowest part is at 600 metres and the highest is above 710 metres.

Zones 3 & 5

Both are similar areas, with soils approximately 1-1.5 metres deep. Extreme presence of gravel, both on the surface and in deeper layers. No major differences in elevation between vineyards or steep slopes. The drainage capacity here is exceptional, which means that the vines have plenty of water at their disposal. We grow white and red varieties here.

Zone 4

It is very similar to the previous ones but with a significant difference: the slopes are very steep, exacerbating the poor nature of the soils. As a result, the vineyard here is less vigorous. We grow Mazuelo, Tempranillo and Viura in this section.

Zone 6

This area epitomises the vineyard's ability to withstand any circumstance. Poor soils, low OM content, no biological activity, nutritional imbalance, strong presence of gypsum, high salinity... In short, the property's black sheep. Yet, it is farmed organically, with a great deal of effort, perseverance and patience.

Suelos de cascajo / "Cascajo" soils

Thus, step by step, we are learning and understanding Finca Montalvillo better. And one of the main lessons we draw from this is to see, vintage by vintage, the extraordinary quality potential of the Yerga highlands. 

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