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Proprietor: Emilio Aguillo founded Solar de Ayala in 1998. He currently
owns 44 acres of Tempranillo and Graciano vines. His first vintage was
2000.
Winemaker / Vineyard Manager: Emilio Aguillo / Jesus Ramirez.
Location: Zone 3, in the town of la Guardia, Rioja, which is the capital
city of Rioja Alavesa. Wineries such as Artadi, Palacio, Pujanza etc, are
located in this district of Rioja. Of the 3 districts in Rioja (Rioja Alta,
Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Baja), Alavesa is the coolest and highest in
rainfall.
Wines Made: Solar de Ayala
Climate: Zone 3, Continental Atlantic, moderate warm days and cool
nights, with 12.5 inches of rainfall between May and October. This
climate forces the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in wines that are
fresher, more aromatic and fruit flavor driven. The vineyards of Rioja
Alavesa are protected by the mountains of Cantabria, blocking north
ocean winds, excessive levels of rainfall and humidity. Harvest usually
takes place during the second week of October, which is late compare to
other regions in Spain. The Foehn-flow caused by the Cantabrian
Mountains, acts as a drying component, allowing for Tempranillo and
Graciano grapes to ripen.
Soils: Clay and limestone on the surface. Its subsoil is composed of Sand
and compact limestone. This soil profile has two common features, 1. it is
cool, which allows for a longer ripening period and 2. allows for water
retention, preventing drought. What makes Solar de Ayala unique? * small production value wines,
* from a dry farming single vineyard.
* Its Continental Atlantic Climate,
brings about a long repining season, allowing for greater flavor
complexity.
* Its proximity to the mountains of Cantabria, offers a
consistent climatic environment, resulting in stable levels of quality every
year.
BREAKDOWN OF VINEYARDS |
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There are 154,100 acres of vineyard
land in Rioja. |
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The Vaso vineyard, composed of 70 year old Tempranillo vines, yielding 2.2 lbs of grapes per vine. |
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The vineyards of Solar de Ayala, located in
Rioja Alavesa are cooler and higher in rainfall
than Rioja Alta and Baja. |
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Grapes |
Acres |
Age Of Vines |
Soil |
Altitude |
Slope |
Tempranillo |
34 |
33 |
Limestone, Clay and Sand |
1,995 ft |
2 % |
Graciano |
10 |
14 |
Limestone, Clay and Sand |
1,995 ft |
2 % |
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Name of Wine: Solar de Ayala 2005
Producer: Bodegas Solar de Ayala (44 acres of vineyards)
DO: Rioja (Zone # 3)
Climate: Continental Atlantic
Grape: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano
Soils: Clay and Limestone topsoil and sand and Compact
limestone subsoil.
Production: 1500 Cases made – 900 for the U.S.
Wine Maker: Emilio Aguillo
Ageing: 3 months in new French oak.
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