At Bodegas Perez Pascuas in the northern Ribera del Duero region, three generations of winemakers have come to the same conclusion: 'the vines at a higher level mean a better quality wine,' said Mr Jose Manuel Perez Ovejas, the grandson of the founder.

The vines are situated at an altitude of more than 820 metres and relatively spared from summer heat waves.

'The (Spanish) vineyards are at a maximum of 800 metres above sea level. In 15 years, they will have to plant the vines at between 800 and 1,000 metres and the great winemakers are already buying land at higher altitudes,' said Mr Cacho.

Frenchman Lionel Gourgue, a wine expert for the 'Vinedos Alonso del Yerro' of the Ribera del Duero region, believes that a shift to higher ground would be just a return of good sense.

'The vine has always been planted on the hillsides... In the 1980s, mistakes were made, and we planted them anywhere.' -- AFP