Is Salamanca a land of wines?
Yes, the answer is yes, definitely yes.
Salamanca is famous for its academic culture and historic architecture. It is known for being the Spanish Oxford - who hasn't looked for the frog and the astronaut? But western Salamanca is home to a little-known treasure: wine cellars and food and wine experience que no querrás perderte.
In this article, I will guide you through the wonders this region can offer in terms of wines and unique culinary experiences.
Exploring the wine region of Salamanca
Western Salamanca, located on the border with Portugal, is a land of natural contrasts. Here, the Béjar and Francia mountains meet the Arribes del Duero Natural Park,recognized by UNESCO as by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reservefor its environmental quality and sustainable development. In this magical corner, you will discover and enjoy its tranquility, its craftsmanship, its landscapes and its views. And, of course, good food and friendly wines that have managed to bring together the essence of this land, giving rise to a number of wineries that are part of the wine routes of Salamanca.
The treasure of the Rufete grape
The Rufete grape Rufete es la variedad autóctona is the local and predominant variety, which comes from old vines to produce young wines. The result of this variety is fresh wines that preserve the origin of its slate and granite soils.
Thus, the rufete variety is characterised by being highly adapted to the area, with a small, tight cluster size and a medium-sized berry with a fine skin. It is planted in small terraces, surrounded by the autochthonous vegetation, and looks more like an orchard than a vineyard.
To be a bit technical (although I wanted to avoid it) I will tell you that these red wines have a bright cherry red colour, with an aromatic expression that brings back memories of raspberries and wild strawberries, herbaceous touches and spicy notes. cata de vinos de Salamanca In a tasting of wines from Salamanca we can confirm that they are very pleasant wines in the mouth, with a notable acidity and a sweet and delicate tannin (a sensation of dryness that we notice in the gums, like black tea). These wines have a medium alcohol content.
The rufete grape is an autochthonous variety that is grown on small terraces, surrounded by vegetation. It is grown on old vines to produce young wines. The result of this variety is fresh wines that preserve the origin of its slate and granite soils. It is characterised by its small, tight clusters and medium-sized berries with thin skins.
Rufete wines have a beautiful cherry red colour and an aromatic expression that evokes hints of raspberries, wild strawberries, herbaceous touches and spicy notes. In the mouth, they are pleasant wines, with a notable acidity and sweet and delicate tannins with a moderate alcoholic content.
The wineries you must visit
For a complete wine experience in Salamanca, I recommend my favourite wineries, for being curious, intimate and have a story behind them.
I have selected three wineries from two different areas: dos zonas diferentes: Sierra de Francia and Los Arribes del Duero..
Cellar "La Zorra"This name alone, at least, arouses passions and curiosities.
This winery is located in the charming village of Mogarraz, Sierra de Francia, known for its hundreds of portraits on the facades of its houses.
For me this winery has a special place because when I told Agustín, the owner, about this project, he told me that he would definitely count on him and that means a lot to an entrepreneur.
Agustín te recibirá con los brazos abiertos y te guiará a través de una cata sensorial. Además, puedes combinar sus vinos con los platos típicos de la zona, como el “limón serrano”, plato curioso, sorprendente y refrescante donde los haya. Podrás saborearlo en el restaurante Mira Sierra.
Tip: try a wine labelled as rare, and let me know what you think.
“Dominio del Noveno”: Although it is not part of the Sierra de Salamanca PDO, this winery in San Felices de los Gallegos, in the Arribes del Duero, is a little secret worth discovering. Enjoy the scenery, the aroma of the countryside and the hospitality of Melisa and Ángel while you explore their wines in their cottage, La Lobaguera.
Finally, la bodega “El Rochal”: Esta pequeña bodega en Santibañez de la Sierra, Sierra de Francia, ha sabido dar la nota en la elaboración de sus vinos, ha destacado por su estilo propio y la utilización de las uvas autóctonas estrellas: Rufete y Juan García, entre otras. Es una parada imprescindible para los amantes del vino que buscan sabores únicos y auténticos.
An unforgettable gastronomic route
As you can see, you can not only visit the best-known wineries and wine-growing areas, but the catalogue of wines in our country goes beyond that.
That is why Lavetonia invites you to discover new places,new gastronomic plans and, as far as possible, to get to know those unknown corners of our empty Spain.
Do you want to live a complete gastronomic experience?
I invite you to take a route by car through Salamanca, starting from "Roma la chica", the city of Salamanca. Dedicate a day to each of the wineries I have mentioned and I am sure you will end your visit with a good taste in your mouth. Exploring a destination through the senses is an experience you will never forget.
Join the Lavetonia Adventure
As a philosophy of life in the world of wine, explore the unknown, try different wines and support rural areas and local producers. Even if they are not in the Peñín guide ranking or in Mr. Parker's portfolio.
If you would like to visit these wineries and explore even more of Salamanca's wine richness, write to me at hola@aliceblue-mule-324162.hostingersite.com!
I am willing to design a tailor-made route that spices up your trip with workshops and gastronomic visits, so that you can enjoy this hidden gem of Spain to the full.
