Vineyards
Respect for nature guides everything we do. It's the foundation of every action and every decision we make in our vineyards.
Pyrenees
Our vineyards are planted on the south-facing slopes at about 600 meters above sea level. We reside at the edge of a wide valley in the medieval village of Orcau, in the Pallars region of the Catalan Pyrenees.
There is evidence that grapes had been grown here for over two thousand years. In the twentieth century this viticulture was practically lost but we are part of a big revival in local wine making. When we founded Sauvella in the early two thousands, there was only one other winery in existence in the area. Currently, we are about fifteen winemakers in the Pallars.
Soils
Orcau is situated in the Tremp basin, a valley rich in geology. Nearly all our vineyards have their roots in reddish to gray, mineral rich, sandy marls and clays. Terrestrial sediments that are the result of erosion of the older Pyrenees.
Enormous amounts of carbonate rocks were deposited by a sea that existed here millions of years ago. Our soils are especially high in carbonates. This is a unique geological configuration, one of the most ideal foundations in the world for growing grapes of intensity and character.
Climate
Our vineyards are influenced by the Mediterranean sea, but the Pallars is much more inland, which adds a marked continental component to the local climate. Even more noticeable is the domination of the mountains: The huge temperature swings between day and night lead to concentrated flavours during the ripening of the grapes.
There is relatively little precipitation year round in the Pallars, but wet winters and dry summers are ideal for the optimal grapes.
Regenerative
Stewardship is our first duty. We have moved beyond organic certification to a living, regenerative system.
- Life in the Soil. We never till. Instead, we foster a permanent cover crop and enrich the earth with straw, creating a vibrant microbial universe.
- Partners, Not Pests. Our flock of sheep are our winter vineyard crew, naturally fertilizing and managing vegetation. We made the choice to work with sheep because they are the most respectful caretakers.
- Resilient Borders. Our plots are mostly surrounded by wild forest, encouraging biodiversity that balances the ecosystem.
We accept the challenges of frost, hail, and drought as part of this high-mountain rhythm, intervening minimally and with profound respect for the plant's own wisdom.
Grape Varieties
We've been planting grapes since 2004. We now tend to 5.5 hectares of vines comprising 9 different varieties on dry farmed land. We even take care of the last old vineyard of Orcau, dating back well into the last century. The main varieties are Red Grenache, Syrah and Red Sumoll.
All vines are planted on top of low vigor rootstock to guarantee balanced fruit in these extreme conditions. No irrigation means depending solely on rainfall. Fortunately vines are resistant and are very effective at water management.
The Cycle
The year begins with respectful winter pruning, designed to minimize stress on the plant. Once the spring frosts are safely behind us, we undertake careful green work to ensure low yields and good airflow.
By June's flowering, our dry climate naturally protects the vines. From about September the berries transition from growing to ripening. We taste the grapes daily, waiting patiently for the perfect moment. We harvest only when each variety reaches its perfect expression of ripeness—which is often later than in most wineries. Throughout, our role is that of a watchful guardian, intervening as little as possible.
This minimal intervention is a promise. We have always farmed with restraint, using organic viticulture but for over five years now, our vineyards have seen no chemical treatments whatsoever. This is our ultimate guarantee: your wine is born from pure fruit, with zero chemical input from our hands.
