DO Málaga and DO Sierras de Málaga – Coasts and mountains of sweet wine

LOCATION AND HISTORY

This Designation of Origin, geographically, forms a ‘T’ shape around the city of Málaga, with the vineyards running down along the coast of the East and going backwards towards the mountains. Although a large area of vineyard is planted, only a small proportion (1,200 hectares) is classified in the production of the Designation. Its wines are benefitting from a rebirth, since the new techniques are giving outstanding results in the market.

SOILS

The vines in Málaga start at sea level and rise gently towards the inland. The soil tends to be alluvial, with top layers made of carbonates, and close to the coast there are quite broad variations of soil, with content of clay, quartz, and mica. The vineyards in Málaga are divided into five sub-areas. The North zone covers the mountains between Antequera and the order with Córdoba, with soils of ferruginous clay and a useful quantity of chalk; the Axarquía runs towards the East and Granada, with gravel and chalk soils; the Western Coast (Cásares, Estepona and Manilva) has rocky subsoil; Los Montes are extended towards the West and the inland of Málaga, including the Western suburbs of the city; and Ronda is a new addition to the area established in 2000, which has brought the tallest vineyards in the province (750 metres).

CLIMATE

The climate of Málaga fluctuates between a humid Mediterranean on the coast, to a more continental style inland. The Axarquía benefits from a mild climate throughout the whole year and the lowest rainfall in the Designation of Origin. As for the North zone, it has very hot and dry summers and quite cold winters with high rainfall.

TYPE OF GRAPE

There are two main grapes in the Designation of Origin Sierras Málaga: Muscat and Pedro Ximénez. This is to say that the production centres around sweet and fortified white wines. Muscat is found along the coast, whilst Pedro Ximénez is more widely planted inland. Other white grapes allowed are Chardonnay, Macabeo, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Viognier. In terms of the red grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Garnacha, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot, and Tempranillo, the producers in Málaga were adapting to the demands of the market, producing lighter recipes.