2016 Bodegas Marañones '30,000 Maravedies', Vinos de Madrid, Spain

Sierra de Gredos Mountains, where Bodegas Maranones is located, does not have an official DO—but is offers the natural resource of amazing terroirs, and many old and even ancient vine parcels that have be neglected or underutilized in recent decades, and relatively low disease pressure—meaning organic farming is a less of a struggle. Sierra de Gredos seems more alpine, more remote and more rugged than one might think this far south. Common soils include weathered slate, granite and schist.

30,000 Maravedies is primarily 35-70 yr. old vine Garnacha.

Bodega Marañones is farmed organically and manually with the assistance of mules due to the steep slopes of their vineyards. The work in the vineyards is focused on prolonging the vegetative cycle so they are able to balance ripeness with acidity and tannin. The reds are fermented mostly whole cluster in oak vats of 30-45HL with pigeage by foot rather than machine. When the cap sinks the wine is racked into foudres or 500–700L French oak barrels.