The Vineyard:
-Puesta en Cruz:
The grapes used to produce Jimbro White come from vines located in Pinilla de Fermoselle. With its unique soil composition, this is excellent land for cultivating vines.
We currently work around 10 hectares of old vines, some of which are more than 100 years old. These are divided into small plots situated on slopes, and in many cases terraced with a planting distance (1.5 x 1.5) which precludes mechanisation, obliging us to plough using traditional methods with mules.
The variety of grape used to produce Jimbro White is Puesta en Cruz. Our project focuses on recovering lost autochthonous varieties with significant winemaking potential, which have been ignored and abandoned by the sector for a long time due to their low yields and difficulty of cultivation, to the extent that they have almost disappeared.
For several years, we have conducted field research on the Puesta en Cruz variety, identifying various clones, analysing their behaviour and choosing the best in a quest to obtain the best possible quality.
-Bruñal:
From its conception, our project has focused on recovering autochthonous varieties which are emblematic of the region, and which are in danger of extinction. In the case of red grape varieties, we work with Bruñal, a variety which is perfectly suited to the high soil diversity and microclimate of the Arribes del Duero.
We have 6 hectares of vines, some of which are newly planted while others originate from hundred-year-old vineyards, in which we have carried out recovery works using grafting techniques.
Bruñal is a highly exclusive, older grape variety which was planted in the early 20th century, after a phylloxera outbreak wiped out all of the vineyards in Arribes del Duero. It is a very special grape which can only be found in this winegrowing region, and about whose origin we possess very little information. It produces small bunches of small grapes, which are notably rich in sugars yet balanced, with a high polyphenol content and rather sweet tannins.
The Bruñal variety was officially recognised on the official list issued by the Registry of Commercial Grape Varieties in 2011.
The Enviroment: Soils and Climate:
-Puesta en Cruz:
The Puesta en Cruz vines are located in Pinilla de Fermoselle. This is a prime location offering exceptional panoramic views of the Duero gorge.
Situated 626 metres above sea level, the soils are shallow with a sandy texture containing some grit. These are poor-quality, acidic soils.
The site has a continental climate with long, cold winters and short, hot summers, although the slopes experience a Mediterranean microclimate which tempers the heat in summer and takes the edge off the cold in winter. Frosts rarely occur due to the topography of the region, and late frosts are almost unheard of. With annual precipitation of around 600mm, rain is concentrated in spring and autumn.
-Bruñal:
The Bruñal vines are located in Fermoselle, at the very heart of the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, in a landscape marked by steep slopes at the point where the Rivers Duero and Tormes meet.
The soils are characterised by a high percentage of sand with coarse elements, and normal levels of stoniness, with a strong presence of slate. These are poor-quality, shallow and acidic soils which provide adequate conditions for winegrowing.
Fermoselle is located 660 metres above sea level, and its climate features short, mild winters, early springs, hot, dry summers and mild autumns, offering an excellent climate for cultivating vines.
