Vinas del Vero Coleccion San Miguel Chardonnay 2011

This tucked-away valley is Viñas del Vero's latest wine discovery. Secastilla sits in an exceptional enclave in the northernmost part of Somontano and the agroclimatic conditions there are particularly suited to growing vines as they produce a distinctly Mediterranean microclimate. Here, on stony hillsides at over 700m above sea level we have 48 hectares planted with organically grown vines including very old Garnacha stock that we have recovered. Garnacha is a traditional Secastilla variety and we have planted new Garnacha vines too, as well as Syrah.

Viñas del Vero has been working in this area for several years now. Since we discovered it we have recovered the old Garnacha vines and planted new ones such as Syrah and Parraleta that adapt very well to this unique place. It is interesting that although this was the traditional wine-growing part of Somontano in antiquity, the area was passed over while the denomination of origin was being introduced. Viñas del Vero has been a firm believer in the area's potential, however, and is currently the only winery in Somontano that makes wine from grapes grown in the Secastilla valley.

The “Secastilla Valley” estates (‘pagos’) are located in the far north-eastern edge of Somontano and share a special “Mediterranean microclimate”. The area’s relative altitude and particular orientation mean that it enjoys a high number of hours of sunlight, which helps the fruit ripen. The whole area is dry and the soil is loamy sand and quite stony.