Ribera del Jiloca

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The predominant soils are Cambisols of calcaric and cutric types according to the W.R.B. classification (FAO, 1998), slightly alkaline and low in organic matter.
• The area features slaty hillsides characteristic of the Iberian System mountain range and the elevated average altitudes at which most of the vineyards are located.
• The climate is classified under the Köppen system as cold continental sub-Mediterranean, with transitional zones towards warm continental sub-Mediterranean.
• Characteristic of the area are the low annual rainfall, extreme temperatures principally in winter, and the presence of dominant north-westerly winds.
• The Jiloca river runs through the centre of the area between the Sierras de Cucalón y Oriche and Sierra Menera, and nearby lies the Laguna de Gallocanta, the largest endorheic saltwater lagoon on the Iberian Peninsula.

• The appellation document records the existence of various indigenous varieties in communes within the production zone, with negralejo and provechón standing out among them.
• The communal pressing complex (trujales comunales) of Villafranca del Campo featured chambers excavated in the ground beneath the winepress, and in Burbáguena numerous cellars hewn from the rock are a notable feature.
• In 1980 a total of 3,400 hectares of vineyard were recorded in the area, constituting evidence of its winemaking tradition.

• The slightly alkaline, organically poor soils, the elevated average altitude, the slaty hillsides, and the low rainfall combined with dominant north-westerly winds give the area a microclimate and ecosystem that are conducive to vine cultivation.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the specification (pliego de condiciones).

All appellations in Spain

Sources

• National pliego de condiciones (PDF)
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PGI-ES-A0244
• Official trade body site — Gobierno de Aragón — IGP Ribera del Jiloca