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. 

Charcuterie, Chicken/Turkey, Duck, Ham, Lamb, Pork, Sausage, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce, Tapas, Tomato Sauce