Granada (wine)

Climate

Over 50% of the territory of the province of Granada is at an elevation of over 1000 m above sea level, which means that the average temperatures are lower than in the rest of Andalusia; and so the growing cycle is delayed with bud-burst, veraisson and harvest all occurring later than usual, i.e. the harvest is usually between the end of August and beginning of October. The average annual temperature in the province of Granada is 15°–16 °C. The absolute maximum is 39 °C and the absolute minimum is −4 °C. Annual sunlight hours are 2,700# Average annual rainfall is 450 mm, with 70 days of rain.

Soils

In general the soils are poor in organic matter, phosphorus and nitrogen. They tend to be not very deep and are easily eroded, though water retention is good.

Authorised grape varieties

The authorised grape varieties are:

• Red: Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Monastrell, Romé, and Petit Verdot
• White: Vigiriega, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Moscatel de Alejandría, Moscatel de grano menudo / Morisca, Pedro Ximénez, Palomino, Baladi Verdejo, and Torrontés
• Sparkling: Vigiriega, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Moscatel de Alejandría, and Torrontés