Extremadura is one of the 17 administrative regions (officially "autonomous communities") of Spain. It is located in the Southwest of the country, on the border with Portugal. It is separated from Andalusia in the south by the Sierra Morena mountains, and from the Central plateau and Castile by the Sierra de Gata range. Extremadura is sparsely populated, but has an abundance of wildlife, such as deer, otters and even lynx.
Its wild black pigs, which feed on acorns, will become the famous "Jamón Ibérico" (Iberian ham). It is not, however, famous for its wine, although viticulture has been going on for centuries. The basic wines produced in the region have not traditionally attracted the attention of greater Spain, let alone the outside world - not least because the local wineries lacked modern technology. However, the DO Ribera del Guadiana title was created in the region in 1999 to bring together six Vino de la Tierra zones and represent the best that Extremadura has to offer.
Merlot noir is a grape variety that originated in France (Bordeaux). It produces a variety of grape specially used for wine making. It is rare to find this grape to eat on our tables. This variety of grape is characterized by small to medium sized bunches, and medium sized grapes. Merlot noir can be found in many vineyards: South West, Languedoc & Roussillon, Cognac, Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Armagnac, Burgundy, Jura, Champagne, Rhone Valley, Beaujolais, Provence & Corsica, Savoie & Bugey.
