POOR SOILS, KIND WINES
Navarre’s Wine Wealth
Our own vineyards are over 60 years old and sometimes reach 100 years of age. Lerín and its surroundings enjoy a very suitable climate for grape ripening.
We are on the edge of the Ebro Valley but within the area of influence of the cierzo, the predominant wind in the whole region. The cierzo is a cold wind that comes from the north and, as well as regulating the temperature, it is also of great importance for health. It helps to prevent the proliferation of certain insects and fungi that pose a threat to the vineyard, which allows us to carry out low-impact viticulture by avoiding the majority of treatments.
Due to its special location, temperatures in Lerín are cold in winter and warm in summer, when there is also a marked contrast between day and night, so the grapes ripen slowly.
The soils are very poor, chalky, suitable for small yields and with an abundance of boulders, so humidity is guaranteed and the roots can sink to great depths.
Varieties
All these characteristics allow us to produce smooth and balanced wines based mainly on Tempranillo, the most traditional variety in this area, where it is also possible to find Garnacha (white and red) and Graciano as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, which are deeply rooted and highly appreciated in the area due to Lerín’s intense historical relationship with neighbouring France.
CLEAN AND RATIONAL VITICULTURE
Commitment to the environment
In our commitment to history and nature, we always use environmentally friendly farming and processing techniques. A commitment we do not want to give up and which we will continue to insist on and improve over time.
In addition to the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 environmental quality seals, we are certified by the European Vegetarian Union and are in the process of obtaining Wineries for Climate Protection.
OAK AND CONCRETE
Traditional method of production
At Bodegas Alconde we make wines that are very balanced and flavoursome, while maintaining a degree of freshness and smoothness. They are silky wines that are comparable to the Bordeaux tradition, but somewhat more pleasant on the palate, easier to drink.
With the grapes harvested directly at night or very early in the morning, the winemaking process begins almost immediately, given the proximity of the vineyards to the winery.
Fermentations and macerations are carried out in the winery’s original concrete tanks. At Alconde we have always relied on this classic method of production, with natural micro-oxygenation at a constant temperature.
Our award-winning Sardasol Rosé is made by the completely natural bleeding of the grapes thanks to their own weight and gravity.
For ageing, we use French and American oak depending on the character we want to give to each of our wines, always seeking to preserve the characteristics of each variety. In this way we achieve that our aged wines have just the right touch of wood and great delicacy.
