Climate

Practically all of the viticultural areas are located in arid zones with temperate climates. They have very marked winters, with a predominance of sunny days and temperature ranges close to 15o C.

The mean yearly temperature is around 13.80o C. According to Winkler’s classification this puts these areas between Regions II and IV.

The annual rainfall varies between 150 and 400 mm., being more frequent in spring and summer.

Rainfall is insufficient for the cultivation of vines, making it necessary to irrigate with surface and occasionally subterranean water. In general, these are regions without wind.

Soil

The soils are shallower to the west and deeper towards the east. The soil’s depth varies between scarce centimeters to various meters. The depth depends on the soil’s topographic position and the deposits of pebbles and gravel carried by the movement of ice and water (alluvial origin).

In general, rocky soils are located in spots in the higher and steeper zones. They are barely fertile and are made up of pebbles, coarse sand and some silt. In general terms the soils are by the nature of their physical–mechanical composition very permeable and of good internal drainage. The pH varies between 7.3 and 8.0, and the calcareous fraction varies between 2 and 10%.

The summer’s elevated temperatures and luminosity, joined by the reduced precipitation, the abundance of calcium in the soil and the cultural practices, causes rapid decomposition and in general terms, the quantity of organic material is scarce. The values for total Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Zinc are low. Potassium has above normal values. Iron and phosphorus are not used to advantage although present in the soil, probably due to the alkalinity.