Spain's vineyards are characterised by their often extreme
climatic conditions. Vines may be found growing in desert or
volcanic regions or in landscapes blanketed by snow. They can
grow successfully in places with very low annual rainfall, like
the central and south-eastern dry regions, or in extremely damp
areas like those of north-western Spain, influenced by Atlantic
weather. In fact, in some areas the strength of the winemaking
tradition is encouraged by the grapevine being the only plant
capable of surviving and flourishing in extreme temperatures.
Nonetheless, in general terms, vineyard development benefits
from a warm and relatively dry environment with plenty of
sunlight, long summers, and winters that are not too harsh.
Temperature is a key factor in regulating vines' basic functions
such as respiration, transpiration and photosynthesis, which are
activated by warmth. If temperatures are high, ripening speeds
up, yielding sweet and sometimes fortified wines (licorosos). In
the northern growing regio