FIVE GENERATIONS OF GRAPE GROWERS
Since 1870, a period spanning five generations, the family has been dedicated to the cultivation of vines and the production and ageing of the best wines of La Rioja. They have been able to pass down from father to son both knowledge and tradition yet, at the same time, adapting them to the new advances in technology and always maintaining their respect for the soil and the vine.
The unmistakable and very personal stamp that the family imprints upon the wines, brings together a daily quest for improvement and a passion for a job well done, from the demanding search for the best conditions for grapevine cultivation to the presentation of the final product to the wine lover.
The family and their wineries enjoy prestige both in Spain and internationally and have won a number of distinctions and prizes.
THE UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "SONSIERRA"
Founded in 1957 by Guillermo Eguren, Sierra Cantabria is nestled in the heart of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, a town of great winemaking tradition, situated in a unique location between the River Ebro and the Sierra Cantabria mountain range.
The Sierra Cantabria mountain range (1,200 m. of altitude) and the river Ebro (350 m.), create a special microclimate with Mediterranean and Continental characteristics -providing mild winters and gentle summers- unique for vine cultivation.
On the other hand, the summer thermal jump (intense heat during the day with fresh night temperatures) creates an increase in the level of polyphenols, normally associated with excellent quality wines.
EXCEPTIONAL VINEYARDS
The vineyards belonging to Bodega Sierra Cantabria are located primarily in the towns of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Labastida and Laguardia, a well renowned area for grapevine growing.
Tempranillo variety predominates along with small amounts of Garnacha, Viura and ‘Hairy Tempranillo’ all of which are grown in vineyards around 35 years old, though other plots up to 70 years old still exist.
The landscape of the vineyard is characterized by the influence by both the Sierra de Cantabria and the depression of the Ebro River, creating a soft and wavy relief, which faces south to south-southwest, thus allowing more sunlight hours to reach the plants and enhance the maturation of the grapes.
The soils, of calcareous-clay composition and poor in organic matter, nutrients and minerals, are very suitable for grape growing. Whilst, the abundance of boulders, remanents of alluvium material and gravel, gives optimal drainage and water retention. In the subsoil cracked rocks are found which aid the search for additional nutrients by the vine roots and therefore favoring the balance of the fruit.
SEARCHING FOR THE HIGHEST QUALITY FROM MAGNIFICIENT VINEYARDS
We apply sustainable agriculture practices. We respect the principle of high density of plantation and low yield per hectare. We work with our own organic fertilizer.
Harvest is carried out manually each year paying special attention to the rigorous selection of the grapes, which are the soul of the wine and must be in optimum health and maturation conditions. The careful harvest is followed by a thorough separation of the clusters, done on a selection table at the entrance to the winery. The winemaking is focused on minimal intervention in the winery to respect to the fullest the terroir’s character.
