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.

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 filtered.

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.