2022 Viticola Mentridana "El Mentridiano", Valle del Alberche, Méntrida, Spain

ABOUT THIS WINE

“El Mentridiano” is 100% Garnacha sourced from organically farmed, old bush vines rooted in sandy granitic soils at elevations over 800 meters in the Valle del Alberche, a subzone of the Méntrida DO in the Sierra de Gredos. The altitude and poor soils contribute to the wine’s finesse, freshness, and aromatic lift, while preserving Garnacha’s inherent juiciness.
Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in stainless steel and neutral oak. Maceration is gentle, emphasizing delicacy and fruit purity. Aging occurs in large old foudres and concrete to maintain freshness and allow the mineral signature of the site to emerge. The result is a vibrant, terroir-driven red that evokes the wild landscapes of central Spain and pairs seamlessly with charcuterie, roast chicken, or grilled vegetables.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Vitícola Mentridana is a small, terroir-focused project founded by winemaker Curro Bareño, part of the new wave of producers revitalizing the Sierra de Gredos with a light hand and deep respect for site. Working with old-vine Garnacha from high-elevation plots in Méntrida’s rugged terrain, the winery emphasizes low-intervention farming, native yeasts, and aging in neutral vessels to highlight the purity and nuance of the grape and the granite-rich soils.
Bareño’s approach is rooted in authenticity and restraint—crafting wines that express place over power. “El Mentridiano” reflects this philosophy perfectly: a luminous, honest Garnacha that channels the cool breezes, granitic soils, and untamed beauty of the Valle del Alberche.