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.

This is a red wine made from Grenache grapes chosen from every vineyard in this organically farmed and certified estate.

Wild sweet berry fruits dominate the nose, with hints of spice, herb, graphite and salinity. A silky smooth entry leads on to full bodied flavours of sweet cherry, raspberry and nutmeg. Despite the big flavours this is still lovely and fresh, with a long finish and fine tannins.