Alvear

Alvear S.A. was established by Don Diego de Alvear in 1729, and since that time has remained under control of the Alvear family. This is the oldest winery in the region. The Alvear family owns307.2 acres (128 ha) of Albero vineyards. The area is dominated by small parcels. The terrain is formed by undulating hills and slopes of a singular whitish color. There are two basic types ofsoil: Albero and Arenas. Albero is whitish, chalky soil. It is found on the higher ground in theSierra de Montilla and Moriles Alto, both of which are classified as superior zones and produce finos of good clean character. This type of soil is highly absorbent and can supply the vines with much needed water during the long, dry summers. The sun bakes the surface to a hard crust,reflecting the heat and preventing the moisture from evaporating. Arenas is found in the Ruedos. Which is largely sand, with some stony clay and a small proportion of limestone. The climate is southern continental, with hot summers where temperatures reach 120°F resulting in early harvests. The temperature drops sharply at night, cooling the fermenting musts. Winters are cold. Rainfall averages 650 mm, falling between November and April. Humidity is very low;thus there is virtually no incidence of mildews.

Available Wines