Viñas Serranas Ciclón Rufete 2020

Viñas Serranas is a winery established in 2017 in the Sierra de Salamanca region of Castilla y León, Spain. The project was initiated by César Ruiz, alongside local viticulturist Bosi Jiménez, experienced winemaker Alberto Martín, and former DO Sierra de Salamanca technical director Miquel Udina. The winery focuses on producing wines that express the unique terroir of the region, known for its rugged, mountainous terrain and varied soils, including granite and slate.

Viñas Serranas owns 12 hectares of vineyards, primarily planted with the indigenous Rufete grape, known for its floral and red fruit characteristics. The vineyards include small plots of old, goblet-trained vines, with some exceptional parcels featuring unique soil types like corneana, a hard, black slate found in Molinillo.

The winery practices biodynamic farming and natural winemaking, using indigenous yeasts for fermentation. The wines are aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and used French oak barrels, ensuring minimal intervention and the preservation of the grapes' natural flavors. Viñas Serranas produces a range of wines, starting with the entry-level Ciclón Rufete, which showcases the regional terroir with a blend of grapes from different villages and soil types. They also produce single-vineyard wines like Fuente Grulla and Renvivas, highlighting the distinctive characteristics of their specific plots.

The Castilla-La Mancha wine region in central Spain is one of Europe's largest and most diverse wine-producing areas. Known for its vast vineyard expanse, the region covers a significant part of central Spain, surrounding the cities of Toledo, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, and Albacete. This area is characterized by a continental climate, with hot, dry summers and cold winters, generally favorable conditions for viticulture.

The predominant grape varieties in Castilla-La Mancha include Tempranillo, locally known as Cencibel, along with international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. White wine production also thrives, with Airén being the most planted grape, covering vast tracts of the region. This grape is often used for still white wines and as a base for brandy production.

Castilla-La Mancha is divided into several Denominaciones de Origen (DOs), including La Mancha, which is the largest and perhaps the most recognized. Other notable DOs include Valdepeñas, known for quality red wines, and Manchuela, which has gained attention for its Bobal and Malbec varieties.

This region is traditionally known for producing high-volume, value-oriented wines. However, there has been a shift towards quality and innovation in recent years, with increased attention to limited production, high-quality wines, and sustainable viticultural practices. Modern winemaking techniques and careful vineyard management have led to a rise in the region's reputation, showcasing the potential of its terroir and grape varieties.