In the centre of Spain, a stones throw west of Madrid, is Bodegas Bernabeleva.

At the feet of the Cerro de Guisando and Gredos mountains this winery lets its vines stretch out their roots through the thin infertile sandy soils, formed from decomposed granite, to cling on to life. Four generations have tended these old hardy vines that have repaid the care and attention with quality fruit hand harvested from the organically managed vineyards. Plots of Garnacha, Albillo and Moscatel de Grano Menudo are vinified separately, neither fined nor filtered to ensure that both the land and love shown shine through.

Vineyards

All the fruit is hand picked from the San Martin de Valdeiglesias area which is a high altitude vineyard area. They practice organic and biodynamic viticulture (not certified), and use fruit from bush trained vines on small plots.

Vinification

Garnacha 90%, Tempranillo 10%.

25 day maceration with some whole cluster. A minimal intervention, wild fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel, concrete and large wood vats. No filtering. Aged for 6 months in large upright old wooden vats and stainless steel.

Tasting Notes

An easy to drink wine with beautiful aromatics of fresh lavender and wild berries. The palate is lively with bright acidity and theres plenty of rich juicy dark fruit in the finish with super fine tannins.

The usual Spanish fayre such as suckling pig, tapas and paella sit very nicely with this wine.