Dominio D’Echauz: The World’s Largest Collection of Vine Biotypes

In the heart of the Ribera del Duero of Soria, Dominio D’Echauz safeguards the world’s largest collection of vine biotypes. A true “Noah’s Ark” of viticulture, the result of over twenty years of collection, selection, and recovery carried out by Vitis Navarra.

Today, in the 130 hectares of vineyards on the estate, more than 16,000 vine biotypes are preserved and studied, including clones, mass selections, and varieties recovered from various Spanish wine regions. A number destined to grow to 20,000, thanks to ongoing prospecting work.

The project addresses crucial challenges for Spanish viticulture: genetic erosion due to monoclonal plantings, climate change, and the spread of diseases. The collection thus represents an indispensable heritage for ensuring the diversity and resilience of Spanish vineyards.

“After millennia of asexual reproduction of the vine,” explains Rafael García, fourth generation at the helm of the Vitis Navarra nursery, “its forms of adaptation manifest through small DNA mutations caused by ultraviolet radiation and environmental stress. When these variations generate significant morphological and genetic changes, we speak of a biotype. Preserving these biotypes means safeguarding a set of plants with common genetic characteristics, fundamental for the future of viticulture.”

After the collection and study phase, the winery has begun producing its first labels. The range includes a red wine that aims to represent the identity of the Ribera del Duero of Soria, a white from Albillo Mayor, and a clarete, a tribute to the region’s traditional style.

Alongside these wines, Dominio D’Echauz vinifies specific biotypes, with the goal of spreading the “culture of the biotype” and raising awareness in the sector about the importance of genetic diversity. It will thus be possible to taste wines produced from individual biotypes, such as Tempranillo, appreciating the differences that each genetic material expresses in the glass.

“We consider ourselves custodians of a millennial biodiversity,” continues Rafael García, “with the duty to preserve and transmit it. We cannot imagine quality viticulture without recognizing local biotypes adapted to the terroir.”

Dominio D’Echauz is located in Zayas de Báscones (Soria) and extends over 787 hectares, of which 130 are planted with vines. The vineyards coexist with other crops and 300 hectares of forested areas. A context that immediately convinced Rafael García, now joined by his children, already involved in the project. The estate is located in the northeasternmost part of the Ribera del Duero, at an altitude between 940 and 1,002 meters. Here, the extreme continental climate, the variety of soils, and the different exposures allow for precise study of biotype behavior.

The approach in the vineyard is based on precision viticulture and environmental respect. Most of the plots are designed according to the Keyline system, which promotes soil regeneration, reduces erosion, and improves water retention capacity. A model that combines scientific research, sustainability, and production, positioning Dominio D’Echauz as an international reference point in safeguarding the genetic heritage of the vine.

Dominio D’Echauz: the world’s largest collection of vine biotypes. https://echauz.com/identificacion-de-variedades-de-vid-en-la-do-ribera-del-duero-para-su-adaptacion-al-cambio-climatico-riberadapt/.