El Vicario

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Accessory grape varieties

Terroir

• Calcareous soils with a light texture, well-drained, shallow, with a calcium content averaging above 15 mEq/100 g.
• The calcium levels in the zone clearly exceed those of other viticultural soils in Castilla-La Mancha (8–10 mEq/100 g).
• The proximity of the Guadiana river and the El Vicario reservoir creates a milder mesoclimate that moderates climatic extremes.
• Gently undulating topography, generally sloping downward toward the riverbed, within the municipal boundaries of Ciudad Real.
• A zone approximately 2 km wide and 7 km long, bounded by natural landmarks to the east and west along the Guadiana river.

• They produce 'blanc de noirs': white wines from red Garnacha or Tempranillo grapes, partially barrel-fermented, without maceration.
• Aged reds are permitted up to 16.7 mEq/l of volatile acidity, compared with ≤10 mEq/l in the neighbouring DOP La Mancha.

• Reds: finesse, scrubland aromas, tannin-acid balance, and moderate alcohol; whites and rosés: freshness and palate weight.
• The calcium in the soil promotes ripe, fine tannins that contribute freshness and a pleasant mouthfeel across all wine styles.

• The high soil calcium content (>15 mEq/100 g) benefits grape skin development, polyphenol and aroma formation, imparting freshness and fine tannins to the wine.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the the specification.

Sources

• National pliego de condiciones (PDF) — +5 varieties added
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-ES-N1634
• Official trade body site — Pago del Vicario