The exhaustive control of the vineyard is achieved by the technical department of Bodegas Presas Ocampo. Every year they look for the maximum quality for the production of our wines. This is not an easy task, as several hectares must be controlled. As we look for the very best quality, our vineyards are located in the most ideal areas for the cultivation of the tempranillo grape (100%). Most of our vineyards are located on north-facing hillsides, this provides for an optimum solar irradiation, allowing the grapes to ripen under optimum conditions.

The land

The Canaries are an archipelago of volcanic origin; therefore the grounds are rich in minerals which bless our cultivation with a typical and unique complexity. Moreover, Tacoronte has a rather abrupt landscape with parts of the vineyard being located on quite steep hillsides, which favours the cultivation by preventing flooding and excessive growth, which would affect the good quality. Moreover Tacoronte faces towards the west, which provides for an optimal solar irradiation, crucial for good ripening.

The climate

Here in the north of Tenerife we benefit from the Atlantic climate, which is characterized by mild temperatures of between 13 and 26 degrees Celsius all year round. A very important factor which benefits the cultivation of our vines is the effect of the Alysius winds;
cool winds that cross the Atlantic Ocean and influence our vineyards with their excellent properties. The effect of the Alysius winds in the summer causes a slowed down ripening, thanks to which, the whole aromatic potential of the wine is conserved and a good acidic balance is maintained, while the malic acid decreases less, therefore producing broader wines with an enhanced character.

Ongoing monitoring of the vineyard

Sanitary control: Tracking of possible plagues and diseases which could affect the vineyard until the time of harvest.

Planning of the harvest

• According to the area.
• Age of the vines.
• Analytic indices (IPT, colour, pH, grade, acidity).

For the planning of the harvest we must know the precise condition of the vines through detailed files of inspection control. A data base of all the parcels of land that we control with their characteristics is established. To do this we have specific programs for vineyards and cartography and with them we are able to locate all parcels and even achieve traceability from the vineyard to the bottled wine. In the period of ripening we make a careful selection at the vineyard, by age, plot, analysis etc. Every single parcel is analyzed. Through the analytic parameters we know the quality of the vineyards and are able to assign a level of quality to each batch of grapes. With these analyses we are able to establish the different deposits of fermentation and to achieve homogeneous qualities.

During the harvest

We assure a strict control of the vineyards by considering the origin of the grapes and knowing the ideal date for the harvest, as it is our goal to collect at the optimum moment of ripening. The harvest at Bodegas Presas Ocampo is entirely manual, by using boxes for the grapes of the old vines.

Once the grapes enter the bodega, they are spread out on sorting tables. First the clusters are selected and then the berries, this procedure guarantees the highest quality.

Production

Quality above anything else, is the premise that sustains all work at Presas Ocampo. For this reason, the whole process of production until the obtaining of the wine is carefully analyzed. The vineyards are meticulously controlled by technicians and experts during the growth cycle, with the aim to obtain a production of the highest quality and comprehensive knowledge of all the grapes before they enter the bodega.

The whole harvest is done manually and for the past few years 50% of the production has been collected in boxes. The contents of the boxes are spread out on sorting tables in order to guarantee that all grapes entering the deposit are in a whole state and entirely healthy.

 Grape varieties

• Listan Negro The largest red variety in the region of Tacoronte – Acentejo, which is only cultivated in the Canary Islands. It is pre-phylloxera and well adapted to the Canary ground and climate. It is of medium vigor and good crop, with a good ripening capacity provided that pruning is carried out properly in order to reduce production. Apart from that it is able to resist plagues and diseases well, which simplifies its care. The wines obtained with this variety of grapes stand out for their great fruitiness and very elegant nose with notes of red fruit, spices and a mineral touch. In the mouth it reveals a velvety and well balanced structure with a light persistence through its mild tannins. A wine that invites you to drink more.

• Negramolle A red variety which is cultivated to a lesser extent than Listan Negro, but in most of the traditional grounds it usually appears to a greater or lesser extent. It is a more delicate variety of grapes, which doesn’t adapt well to all types of land and doesn’t grow every year. It is much more susceptible to mildew and it is rarely used as single-variety. It is usually used together with other varieties to add freshness and balance.

• Castellana or Tintilla Minority variety of low productivity, which is why its cultivation is not extended. It is a plant of much vigor with small clusters which are very resistant to plagues and diseases.

The same way as the variety Negramolle, it is usually combined with other varieties and adds color and tannins. When it is produced as a single-variety it usually needs ageing in oak-barrels in order to smooth the tannins, which are harsh in its youth. After a good ageing process it becomes sweeter and balanced wines with much flavour can be obtained.

We also want to point out that together with the local varieties we also use the international varieties: Syrah, Merlot and Tempranillo.