Founded in 1954, Virgen de la Sierra is a grape grower’s co-op with 579 members. The co-op has 710 hectares (1,753 acres) of vines growing at 750 meters above sea level, with an average age of 40 years. The primary grape planted is Garnacha (60%), followed by Macabeo (also known as Viura) (20%), Tempranillo (16%), and experimental varietals Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay (4%).
The region's semi-arid climate and high altitude create ideal growing conditions for quality Garnacha and Macabeo grapes. Hot dry summers, with a sharp shift in daytime to nighttime temperatures, let grapes reach full ripeness while maintaining good levels of acidity. The red iron-rich soils are rocky, with a mix of sand and gravel and a low amount of organic material. A thick clay subsoil helps retain moisture through the long dry summer months.
