Location of the Vineyards.
—In former years, the vineyards were principally located on the hillsides, only occasionally extending to the level plains. Of late, however, the hillside vineyards have suffered from the phylloxera and various other diseases, and many of them have been dug up. The lowland vineyards are now the best, although even they are, by far, not free from disease. Few of the vineyards are located on entirely level ground, there being but little such in the district. The nature of the country is rolling, with small valleys or flats. The raisin grapes grow apparently well both inland and on the coast. According to Consul Marston, about eighty per cent of the vineyards are situated on rolling land, ten per cent on lowland and ten per cent on the very coast. The vineyards on the coast are actually within reach of the spray.
The vineyards are generally small, none being over eighty acres in extent. Most contain, perhaps, from three to four acres each; while from twenty to forty acres is considered a good-sized vineyard.
Varieties of Grapes.
—The principal variety used is the Gordo Blanco or Muscatel. It is identical with the grape known by us under that name, and which was imported to us from Malaga. But several types are found, although none superior to the Gordo Blanco.
Characteristics of the Raisins.
—The Malaga raisins were, until lately, the finest raisins in the world, and for the present have only the California raisins to compete with. They are characterized by great sweetness, deep bluish color, great size and by good keeping qualities. The best raisins are those called Dehesas, being produced on the valley lands of the districts.
Yield of Grapes.
—The yield of Malaga vineyards varies of course. The best yield eight or nine tons of grapes to the acre,—just like those of California. But there is a great difference between new and old vineyards. In many vineyards where formerly the yield was nine tons, the soil has been so exhausted by continuous croppings that to-day, even with manuring, two or three tons of grapes must be considered a high yield.