Overview
Parras de la Fuente, commonly called Parras, is the site of Casa Madero, the oldest winery still operating in the Americas, founded in 1597. Located in the desert of Coahuila at around 1,500 meters above sea level, the valley's altitude creates a cooler microclimate than the surrounding lowlands.
Winemaking here blends deep tradition with warmer-climate varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay. Rocky and sandy desert soils provide excellent drainage.
Key Varietals
- Cabernet SauvignonA bold red with blackcurrant and herbal notes that benefits from the valley's diurnal shift.
- TempranilloSpain's signature red grape, yielding earthy cherry and leather flavors with firm tannins.
- MerlotA soft, plummy red that adds roundness to blends and performs well in the warm days.
- SyrahA dark-skinned variety that produces spicy, blackberry-scented wines in the high desert.
Region snapshot
Climate
Semi-arid high-altitude desert
Rainfall
Around 200-300 mm annually, mainly in summer
Soil Types
Rocky and sandy soils over limestone and alluvial deposits