The Valenzuela family are the undisputed pioneers among Spain’s growing community of natural winemakers. They rely on the natural resilience of their vines and a climate where occasional morning dew from clouds is swiftly dried by the powerful sun and winds.
Manuel Valenzuela planted his Garnacha vines more than 35 years ago in the extremely barren soils of Cerro Las Monjas. The 2.5-hectare vineyard spans elevations from 1300 to 1368 meters and is entirely planted in traditional bush training (Alberello). Due to chronic water scarcity, the vineyard accommodates only 2500 vines, no more.
Yields are equally minimal (max. 750 grams per vine), with no more than 2000 kilos of grapes harvested per hectare. However, the resulting grapes are of exceptional quality.
To ensure the full substance of the grapes is reflected in the wine, nothing is removed or added during vinification. The wine undergoes spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks without temperature control (the cool nights at 1300 meters naturally regulate the process). It is then aged for 20 months in oak barrels. The wine is neither fined, filtered, nor sulfured.
Style
Juicy, soft, and open, with a directness brought about by the cool nights. Ripe red fruit takes center stage, gradually complemented by floral, peppery, and spicy notes. Clear and puristic, the wine offers both power and vitality, delivering a seamless drinking experience. It lingers long on the palate with a vibrant red fruit finish.
Technical Sheet
- Variety: Garnacha
- Plant Protection: Only sulfur, copper, and plant- or animal-based preparations; not certified
- Vineyard: Schist and clay soils
- Harvest: Handpicked
- Fermentation: Spontaneous | Wild yeasts in stainless steel tanks
- Aging: 20 months in small oak barrels
- Filtration: None
- SO₂: Unsulfured
- Alcohol: 16.5%
- Closure: Natural cork
- Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
- Optimal Drinking Window: Now – 2035
- Volume and Price per Liter: 0.75 l (€31.12/l)
