Criollas

Criollas are a native grape of Argentina. Criollas are a special type of native grape as they are not just one grape, but a wild mix of grapes born out of crossings between imported European varieties such as Listan Prieto, and local vines.

These grapes exist in Argentina since the 16^th century and have evolved to withstand the drought and extreme temperatures at the foothills of the Andes. The vines form an integral part of the ecosystem of the Uco Valley.

Criollas exist as white, pink and red grape varieties and typically grow together in the same vineyard. Criollas include Cereza, Criolla Grande, Criolla Chica, Pedro Gimenez, Moscatel Rosado, Moscatel Amarillo, Torrontes Mendocino, Torrontes Riojano, and Torrentes Sanjuanino.

The Criollas we harvested for NR1 and NR2 grow on old vines in dry-farmed vineyards. They get their water from ancient canals that channel the melt water from the Andes mountains. They are trained high above the ground in parral, a special type of training system designed to protect the buds from the cold winter frost and to protect the fruit from the harsh summer sun.