One of the most important factor in the making of wine is the vine used. Undoubtedly, the cleaning of the cellar, the elaboration techniques, and the know-how of the oenologist are very important. However, the variety of the grape will always be a determinant factor for the character of the wine.

We are going to give you a quick definition of each type of grape that is cultivated in Navarra and its incidence on the wine.

RED VINES

Garnacha: is the most abundant type of grape in Navarra. The Garnacha is very extended in Spain, where it has various names like "red Garnacha", "red aragonés", "alicante", "navarra", "garnatxa"... in other countries it can be named "red roussillon", "granaccia", "uva di Spagne"...The Garnacha produces a must with a high alcoholic grade, with little acidity, a lot of sugar and which transmit very pleasant fragrances to the wines. The wines that it produces are tasty. The Garnacha is the best grape for the elaboration of rosés and when mixed, is considered as a variety that improves the quality of the wine.

Tempranillo: good for the "crianza" wines. Its name is the consequence of its early picking. It has various names depending on the region where it is produced:
In Rueda: "Fine red"; in La Mancha "cencibel", in Cataluña "ull de llebre". The must of that wine has a normal degree of alcohol (12º or 13º) with an intense colour.

Mazuelo: It has its origins in Navarra and in la Rioja. It can also be called "mazuela", "cariñena", or "carignane". Its must have much colour and acidity although it has little fragrances.

Graciano: it is an other red grape that has its origins in Navarra and in La Rioja. The must have a strong lively red, with strong fragrances, significant acidity and a unique, very pleasant aroma which gives finesse and quality to the wine that it composes. It cannot be made wine of a 100% graciano.

Cabernet Sauvignon: French variety, which has extended throughout the world. It has a small size. This variety is particularly suitable for the production of quality ageing wines. It is a grape which is rough to eat, which does not rotten easily and that can be picked without too much hurry.

Merlot: variety proceeding from France. This variety can compose a wine at a 100%. The vines mature better in fresh and humid soils, even if it suffers a lot from freezing. The grapes have a dark blue colour with a thick skin. The "coupage" with the cabernet sauvignon can be very beneficial for the Merlot, because it bring flexibility, quickness to the whole.

WHITE VINES

Viura: is the most abundant white variety in Navarra. It produces abundant "agridulce" must, with a potent alcoholic force. However, when it does not mature enough it is acid and with a peculiar taste. It is excellent for the elaboration of white wines, because it gives wines with a moderate grate of alcohol, smooth, well balanced, fresh and aromatic.

Small grain Muscat: This variety of grape has been planted in Navarra since old times, and is used to produce sweet strong wines. Over the last few years, the Small Grain Muscat are gathered as late as possible in order to make sweet white wines in which fermentation process is stopped to leave a certain amount of residual sugars. The resulting wines are extraordinary, very unctuous and sweet. A delight for experts.

White Garnacha: It is a variety which does not have any trouble adapting itself to any soil and which is more resistant than any other white variety. Its must has a pleasant acidity and a well alcohol grade.

Malvasía: Originally from Asia, but was soon introduced into Europe. The grapes are yellow and tend to get red when fully ripe. It produce a very interesting must, unctuous and with a very special aroma.