VINALIA
October 2024 Release
2020 BERNABELEVA
ARROYO DEL TÓRTOLAS
“A stunningly expressive and complex wine.”​
​
Bernabeleva was founded in 1923 in the town of San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Madrid. Today, it is a renowned winery producing wines which showcase the unique character of the local grape variety, Garnacha. Bernabeleva, literally, means the path of the bear which is displayed in their logo to represent the goddess of hunting in ancient times. This 2020 Carril del Rey embodies the character of high-altitude Garnacha of the region, delivering a delightful and memorable drinking experience. The Arroyo del Tórtolas vineyard is named after the nearby stream and is a steep slope of 80-year-old, low yielding Garnacha bush vines. The soils are mainly granite which force the roots to dig deep for water and nutrients - this adds complexity and concentration to the grapes. Around 2,800 bottles were made.​
​
REGION: Vinos de Madrid, Spain.
​
VARIETIES: 100% Garnacha.
​
WINEMAKING: Grapes are picked manually and macerated on the skins for around 40 days. After fermentation, the wine is transferred to various sizes of oak barrels (225-600L). The wine is aged for 12 months before being transferred to stainless steel tanks for another 6 months.
​
TASTING NOTE: Enticing aromas of bright cherries, cranberries, strawberries, and orange zest. The palate has a stony minimality with more complex flavours of dried roses, barnyard, and leather. Wonderful acidity and a lasting finish.
​
PAIRING: Turkey or duck with cranberry and orange liqueur reduction, with a roasted sweet potato salad on the side. Drink now, or, if you can, age it for 3-5 years.
​
※
​
2020 BASTIDE DU CLAUX SAINT JEAN
“A Grenache that embodies the essence of its terroir.”
​
Bastide du Claux was founded by Sylvain Morey, the son of Jean-Marc Morey, an admired vigneron in Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy. Sylvain wanted to expand his horizons and fell in love with the lesser-known region of Luberon, Southern Rhône. During this time, he was able to purchase interesting, low-yielding old-vine parcels that were no longer valued, and today, produces high-quality wines that authentically represent the region. The picturesque Luberon region is known for its favourable climate and diverse terroir for grape growing. The region is influenced by the Mediterranean Ocean, contributing to the unique characteristics of the wine produced here. Sylvain believes in maintaining tradition while also showing respect for the environment, and implements organic and biodynamic practices. The resulting wines are high quality, and well-balanced. The Saint Jean vineyard plot has 60-year-old vines located at 400 m of elevation on clay and limestone soils. Approximately 1,800 bottles were produced.​
​
REGION: Luberon AOP, Southern Rhône, France.
​
VARIETY: 98% Grenache Noir, 2% Cinsault.
​
WINEMAKING: The grapes are harvest by-hand and completely de-stemmed. The berries are placed in vats without crushing until alcoholic fermentation begins. The grape must is pressed and the juice is blended with the free-run juice. The wine is aged for 20 months in concrete vats. The wine is lightly filtered and bottled with minimal sulphur.
​
TASTING NOTE: Deep aromas of red currants, lavender, and violets with subtle mineral notes of saline and slate. Mouth-filling, chalky tannins, backed by fresh acidity and a long finish.
​
PAIRING: Beef or pork tenderloin, stuffed with fresh herbs and red currants, or a vegetarian dish with balsamic-grilled eggplant. Age for 5-7 years.
※
​
2019 VIÑAS SERRANAS LA PIVONERA
“Engaging and wonderful.”
​
Viñas Serranas is a project created in 2017 by Cesar Ruiz, Alberto Martin, Bosi Jimenez, and Miquel Udina. They own around 12 hectares of vineyards that are scattered throughout the Sierra de Salamanca region. This is an up-and-coming region attracting dynamic winemakers to tend the abandoned old bush vines. Viñas Serranas is certified organic, and working towards full conversion to biodynamics. The vineyards are steep and therefore needs to be worked entirely by-hand. La Pivonera is a tiny 0.4-hectare plot at an altitude of almost 1000 m, planted over 100 years ago. The wine is made from the grape Calabrés, which is the local clone of Grenache Noir. Only 760 bottles were produced. We are thrilled with the wines from Viñas Serranas and are excited to share them with our members!
​
REGION: Sierra de Salamanca, Spain.
​
VARIETY: 100% Garnacha.
​
WINEMAKING: Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted. Fermentation takes place in small open tanks with native yeasts. The wine matures in two 300-litre oak barrels for 14 months and is then bottled without filtration or clarification.
​
TASTING NOTE: Pronounced aromas of raspberries, and red currants, with subtle floral notes of violets and roses. On the palate fennel, and dried herbs take over. A full-bodied wine with plush tannins and a long finish.
​
PAIRING: Slow-cooked beef stew with lots of root vegetables and herbs. Age for 5-7 years.​​​