
THE production of wine in the Serranía de Ronda, will increase by 20 per cent.
This is 100,000 wine bottles more than last year. Of course the weather could yet influence the actual yield.
Nonetheless there has been an increase in the number of hectares cultivated by around 200ha. Also an increase in the number of cellars in Ronda and along the region.
In 2007, production finally reached the magical 500,000 bottle mark, of which 96 per cent was red wine, two per cent rosé and two per cent white wine.
As well as Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon some native grape varieties are being experimented with such as La Tintilla de Rota, Graciamo and Melonera.
(Melonera favours more mountainous regions.)
Ronda wines are popular in Switzerland, France and Germany.
We recently met a wine buyer from a large Canadian Importer. He was more than impressed with the quality and price.
Chinchilla pictured is grown near Setenil de las Bodegas / Ronda Viejo.
It is sold for around 10-12 € in bars and restaurants of the Serranía.
Bar Andrés Sánchez, Benarrabá. Is a good place to visit for wine and quality pork and fish tapas
It can be bought by the case from the vineyard for around 6-7€ a bottle. A young very fruity wine.