Bodegas Bernabeleva, Navaherreros Blanco de Bernabeleva, DO Madrid, Spain, 2023

Producer Profile

In the heart of Spain, just west of Madrid, lies Bodegas Bernabeleva.

Situated at the foot of of the Cerro de Guisando and Gredos mountains, this winery lets its vines stretch out their roots through thin, sandy soils formed from decomposed granite where other crops would struggle to survive. Four generations have tended these old hardy vines, which have repaid the care and attention lavished on them with quality fruit that is hand-harvested from the organically managed vineyards. The plots of Garnacha, Albillo and Moscatel de Grano Menudo are vinified separately, and are neither fined nor filtered to ensure that the love of this land shines through.

Viticulture

The organically grown (not certified) vines are between 35 and 90 years old, and are harvested manually from shallow granite rich South facing slopes next to the Aliseda creek between 750 to 800 metres above sea level.

Winemaking

Each plot is elaborated as a single vineyard wine, vinfication takes place in 500 and 600 l used French oak barrels, where the wine ages sur lie. After nine months, the blend is made and the wine bottled. The wine is neither stabilised nor filtrered.

Tasting Note

This blend of Albillo Real and Macabeo offers up a nose of fresh pear, olive, saline hints and dried flowers. Full-bodied and focused, with a lovely centre, minerality and grip, excellent acidity and a long, complex and very nicely balanced finish.

Food Matching

Game bird, wild rabbit and Asian influenced dishes.