Juan García (grape)

Juan García is a rare Spanish red grape variety, hence, the overwhelming majority of Spanish wines are elaborated from the most abundantly grown Spanish variety named Tempranillo, commonly found throughout all regions of Spain. The Juan García grape variety is found only in a remote locale within the province of Zamora and Salamanca, mainly concentrated to the vineyard terraces planted and harvested through the centuries in the terroirs of the small ancient villages once remotely built and enclaved alongside the border of the gargantuan green gorge of the ARRIBES del Duero river canyon. It is an authorized grape variety in the Denominación de Origen of Arribes[1] and the Ribeira Sacra.[2]

Juan García is considered a pre-phylloxera autochthonous of the villages that are located bordering the Arribes del Duero river canyon´s passage in north-western Spain. The location is designated as a Natural Park. The Juan García grape variety has medium sized, elliptical berries with dark blue-black skins that grow in compact bunches on short pedicels. Bud break is mostly early, vigor is medium-high, and it is highly productive. The variety shows good resistance to powdery mildew.[1] The elaboration of wine utilizing the rare Juan García grape variety produces a unique taste different with a profound deep burgundy color that is particularly smooth tasting with a long nose.