Merino is a breed of sheep that originated in Spain and offers the highest quality extra fine wool. Our 100% Merino wool begins in the “Mountain zone” of La Rioja nestled next to the fabled beauty of the Najerilla valley. Here healthy hikes, skiing, delicious meals, cool mountain air evenings and clean fresh water from the faucet are abundant.
Spain secured a prominent position in the world wool industry as early as 1000 A.C. with the Merino breed. The fertile green pastures of Rioja and the abundant mountain ranges provided the perfect topography for grazing and migration. Wool from these free roaming migratory sheep in verdant mountainous passageways was of supreme softness and quality.
In 1273 the Mesta was formed by the Monarchy under the rule of King Alfonso X. It was a powerful association of migratory sheep owners formed to protect the lucrative interests of the coveted Merino Wool trade. Under these laws “legal rights of way” were protected and enforced for herd migration. The Mesta was built on the pillars of economic importance, law, literacy, and deliberate slow “circular” migration.
Today La Mesta migration routes remain, preserving its enormous value and legacy. They often pass through vineyards and village streets as these powerful ancestral rights often predate crops or roadways. To this day winery teams may grumble about the sheep trampling through their vineyards.
Sheep migration was a fixed part of the Riojan landscape and livelihood until the 18th century, and likewise a culture unto its own. The herds were guided by confident brave literate sheep herders “pastores” educated in the “evening” classrooms of community nocturnal schools. This took place at a period in history when much of the population was illiterate. It was necessary for them to have the computation and writing skills to document important financial ledgers and trackers as well as journaling of the migratory passages with their herds. Their literacy also empowered their self governance which they loyally maintained and supported in their pastoral community often for both widows and aging sheep herders.
They were nomadic for more than nine months of the year. As with many livelihoods in Spain sheep herders were often generational where skill and secrets were passed down from elders both orally and through their documentation. The journeys from the northern mountain regions to the south were routes on foot of 500 miles. Many sheep herders made 60 journeys in their lifetime. The royal crown put the law in place for this lucrative industry but the “pastores” were responsible for its success on a daily basis. Hence, requiring much more skill, sophistication and endurance than corralling cattle. The strongest sheep herders could lead herds up to 150 sheep and do so with confidence and bravery. “Pastores” were as one with their herds, the mountains, daily and cyclical rhythms and more than a few sips of Rioja wine. There was abundance and reverence in their simplicity and ability.
Published sources reference the envy of local farmers for the sheep herders with many regional sayings to substantiate this claim. Likewise, select centenary Rioja winery families will share how the earnings of the wool and textile industry helped finance their wineries.
We are so moved by their work not only because of their vast contributions to Merino wool, but also because of their alignment with nature. The ability to predict a storm, walk, sit and sleep in peace with the sky, heal injured sheep with herbs like rosemary, understand the scent of the herd at different stages of the journey, and troubleshooting the unexpected on the roadways.
Not to mention, their influence on biodiversity in La Rioja and northern Spain.
La Mesta has now miraculously endured more than 7 centuries. In the 16th century when Spain was a world empire, the Crown owned the largest and finest flocks of “transient Merinos" in Spain. The monarchy conserved their dominance of the coveted breed by outlawing the export of Merino sheep. Until 1765, breaking this law could result in a death sentence. The severity of this sentence explains the significant value of the Merino breed and the wool industry in Spain. After 1765, the Crown permitted limited trade to breeders in other countries and variants of the Spanish merino slowly emerged. In 1797, the first flock landed in Australia, selected in part due to the potential the climatic and topographical similarities to Spain could promise.
Heralded as the queen of natural fibers, wool has multiple attributes. It is biodegradable, naturally sustainable, and often carbon neutral. Merino wool is especially appreciated for its excellent airflow to regulate body temperature, hence providing warmth in the cold and also supporting cooling in the heat. It can therefore be enjoyed the entire year and not relegated to a season or occasion, much like a Rose or Sparkling wine.
100% wool is also non-flammable, antimicrobial, and ironically Merino wool, despite its softness, is very durable. Its fibers can be twisted many times making it less breakable and long lasting when woven into fabric. Our 100% Merino wool is the highest quality Merino. Our selections embody beauty in color, texture, weave as well as their heirloom quality for longevity. Wool was the fiber available thousands of years ago, and the chosen fiber for many hundreds of years. Today 69% of all fibers are synthetic sitting in landfills for hundreds of years or longer. Synthetic textile waste has serious effects on health and the environment.
By choosing a Rioja Holistic Home selection you are not only acting in ethical stewardship of your home and loved ones, but also as a custodian of the Earth and its future. It truly represents a shift in consciousness around the fiber choices we have and their impact.
Ana Fabiano
Founder, Rioja Holistic Home
Author, The Wine Region of Rioja