Bodega Santa Cruz de Alpera was founded in 1947, south-east of La Mancha, by 25 winegrowers. Their goal was to create a winery that could convert the quality of the grapes into excellent wine. The vineyards are characterized by calcareous soils, poor in organic matter and located at an altitude of 850 to 1050 meters above sea level. The average annual precipitation is between 300 and 400 mm and falls in autumn and spring. The climate is harsh, dry and continental, with very cold winters and a large temperature difference between day and night in summer. These conditions prolong the ripening process. This contrast in temperature between day (very hot) and night (cool) in August causes the garnacha tintorera to concentrate tannins and acquire its dark color in the final stages of ripening.
The winery mainly grows garnacha tintorera (also called alicante bouschet). It is one of the few grapes with red veined flesh. This grape variety is extremely resistant to diseases. They make their best wines from hand-selected grapes from vines older than 40 years. The monastrell grape is also very well adapted to the local conditions and produces convincing wines. In addition, the discovery was that both the Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc grapes are well adapted to the local soil; a pleasant surprise. Thanks to the high altitude of the vineyards, they give fresh and fruity white wines with a very strong tropical character.
