Bernabeleva Madrid Cantocuerdas Albillo 2019

Bernabeleva Cantocuerdas is a single-vineyard Albillo from 85- to 100-year-old vines in the granitic sands west of Madrid.

Albillo is the white grape of the Sierra de Gredos and the Madrid hills, with a history in the region that may run back more than a thousand years; long sidelined in favour of higher-yielding varieties, it has come back into focus through growers such as Juan Bulnes. It once played a supporting role in the Vega Sicilia Unico blend, much as Viognier does in Côte-Rôtie, but here it stands alone. The fruit comes from three parcels of old vines in the Cantocuerdas vineyard, named for the granite boulders strewn across it. The estate farms organically. Each parcel is fermented separately with long macerations, one vat running to sixty days, and the wine is then matured for nine months in used barriques. The style is textured, earthy and slow to open.

Worth decanting or giving time in the glass, and it will keep six to eight years. Serve at 10-12°C with roast pork, grilled vegetables or a hard sheep's cheese.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.