Bernabeleva 'Camino de Navaherreros' Blanco, Vinos de Madrid, Spain 2025

On the eastern edge of Spain’s Sierra de Gredos mountains, a renowned Madrid doctor named Vincente Alvarez-Villamil purchased land in 1923. The estate, which Vincente named Bernabeleva, or bear’s forest, held more than just an ancient history. It was, he believed, a special place to plant the noble Garnacha (Grenache) and a place whose wines might exhibit profound character. But political instability in Spain devastated his dream. But the family held onto the land, and in 2006, Vincente’s great-grandson, Juan Diez Bulnes established the winery of Bernabeleva.

Winemaker: Miguel Maestre Chimeno

Grapes: Over 50% Albillo Real, 15-20% Macabeo, 10% Muscat-a-pétit-grains, 10-15% Garnacha Blanca. The rest is Malvar.

Farming: Biodynamic practicing

Terroir: Gredos Mountains, west of Madrid. Granitic, sandy soils, all more than 500m above sea level. Most of the vineyards were planted in 2008 as field blends of local varieties like Malvar and Albillo. The old vines from the estate in this blend are Macabeo and Moscatel. 

Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation in a mix of concrete, stainless, and old oak, and aged for 1+ years in the same vessels before bottling. Malolactic fermentation is discouraged.

Tasting Notes: Honey, wild flowers, stone fruit and citrus. This has great mouthfeel with a touch of weight on the palate and more than enough freshness to be thirst quenching.