2021 Bodega Bernabeleva Camino de Navaherreros Vinos de Madrid

Winemaker Notes:  The intensely floral bouquet offers aromas of strawberry, raspberry, rose, magnolia, and Asian spices; similar to a rustic Pinot Noir, but the body an weight is very much old vine Grenache. Eighty-year-old vines offer fresh and energetic fruit in the mouth, with sweet red berry flavors unfettered by tannins. The spiciness is mirrored on the finish, which is long and very pure.

In the centre of Spain, a stone’s 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.

All the fruit is hand picked from the San Martin de Valdeiglesias area which is a high altitude vineyard area. They practice organic (certified) and biodynamic viticulture, and use fruit from bush trained vines on small plots. 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.