WINE INFORMATION

Created in 1990, the Vinos de Madrid DO is sandwiched between La Mancha and the Spanish capital, where it forms a semicircle around the southern suburbs of Madrid.  Bodega Bernabeleva is an up-and-coming, tiny, new winery located on the far western edge of  this DO, within the San Martín sub-zone. The estate resides in the small village of Pelayos de la Presa, next to San Martín de Valdeiglesias, a historic town after which the sub-appellation takes its name. 

Bernabeleva means “bear’s forest”, a reference to numerous carvings and statues of bears in the region, remnants of a prehistoric Celtic population.  The first thing worth mentioning about Bernabeleva is that this estate is practicing biodynamic, and is 100% certified biodynamic as of their 2009 vintage. They ferment their wines in large, upright old wood fermentors with long macerations and use indigenous yeasts. 

The Bernabeleva vineyards are comprised of sandy soils (decomposed granite), at elevations of 550 to over 1,000 meters. Many of their vines are over 80 years old, with a minimum vine age of 30 years. The location of their vineyards and their altitude result in wide diurnal temperature shifts, allowing for ripeness with great balance.  Their wine rarely leaves the Madrid area, typically disappearing immediately into the city's numerous wine bars, restaurants, and of course, people's homes.

The estate was purchased in 1923 by a Madrid physician and is being revived by two of his great-grandchildren. 

This wine is made from a selection of lower-yielding vines and some purchased hand-harvested biodynamically-grown grapes. The yields are very low and average 30-35 hectoliters per hectare.  The wine was aged primarily in small, used oak barrels.

TASTING NOTES

A fresh and clean expression of Garnacha, this medium-weight red offers red cherry, raspberry and plum notes on the palate.   Thirst quenching and delicious with a lingering stony minerality.

FOOD PAIRING

Garnacha tends to be rather food-flexible when it comes to pairing.  This wine will pair well with barbecued meats, warming herby stews, or a sweet roasted duck.  Enjoy with peppered steak and roasted red bell peppers with carmelized onions.  Try with Manchego cheese or a hearty bean soup. 

Duck, Grilled preparations, Pork, Roasted Root Vegetables, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce