Bodegas Cinco Léguas Vinos de Madrid La Maldición Malvar 2023

First produced in 2013, this organic, saline white is made from Spain's indigenous Malvar grape. This variety tends to give wines with good acidity and aromas of citrus and bitter almonds. The fruit is drawn from a tiny 0.44-hectare plot of old bush vines rooted in the chalky clay soils of Valdilecha in the Madrid mountains, some 730 metres above sea level.

Organic and biodynamic cultivation, meagre yields and old-school (very old-school!) fermentation with skins and stalks are the keys to this delicious, fascinating and very priced white. Aging that included crushed skins and stalks was the traditional way Spanish farmers made their wines, and this just works with Malvar. Following pressing, the wine matured in old 300-litre casks. It’s a wine loaded with charisma and mouthcoating texture fused with deep citrus and mineral vibrancy. It also gives a glimpse into the deep history of this part of Spain.

*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.

Type: White Wine
Style: Medium-bodied, Textural, Mineral-driven
Grape Varietal: Malvar
Tastes Like: Comparable to a premium Pinot Grigio, but more textured and savoury with a natural winemaking influence
Alcohol Percentage: 13%
Closure: Cork
Size: 750mL
Appellation: Vinos de Madrid DO
Region: Madrid, Spain
Terroir: Old bush vines planted in chalky clay soils at 730 metres above sea level
Aging: Skin and stalk fermentation followed by maturation in old 300L oak casks
Serving Temperature: 10–12℃ – Serve lightly chilled

Bodegas Cinco Léguas is a small, artisan producer dedicated to reviving the historic vineyards and indigenous grape varieties of the Vinos de Madrid region. Working organically and biodynamically, the winery focuses on traditional farming and minimal-intervention winemaking to preserve the area's rich viticultural heritage.

La Maldición Malvar is produced from a tiny 0.44-hectare parcel of old bush vines in Valdilecha. Fermented with skins and stalks using traditional methods before ageing in old oak casks, the wine offers a distinctive expression of one of Spain’s rare native white varieties and the unique character of the Madrid mountains.

Seafood: Perfect with grilled fish, octopus or shellfish
Spanish Cuisine: Excellent with tapas, tortilla española or salt cod dishes
Vegetarian: Pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mushrooms or grilled artichokes
Cheese Boards: A great match with charcuterie and Mediterranean antipasti

Manchego(Young): Mild and nutty, complements the wine's texture
Goat Cheese: Tangy and creamy, balances the wine's savoury character
Mahón: Buttery and slightly salty, enhances the wine's mineral profile
Idiazábal: Firm and lightly smoked, pairs beautifully with the wine's complexity

Espárragos Blancos con Salsa Romesco (White Asparagus with Romesco Sauce)

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches white asparagus, trimmed
• 2 roasted red capsicums
• 50g toasted almonds
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tbsp sherry vinegar
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and cracked black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the white asparagus in gently simmering salted water until just tender, then drain.
2. Blend the roasted capsicums, almonds, garlic, sherry vinegar, olive oil and smoked paprika until smooth.
3. Season the romesco sauce with salt and pepper.
4. Arrange the warm asparagus on a serving platter.
5. Spoon over the romesco sauce and drizzle with a little extra olive oil before serving.

The creamy almonds and smoky peppers complement Malvar's textural palate and subtle bitter almond notes, while the asparagus highlights the wine's vibrant acidity and mineral freshness, creating a beautifully balanced pairing inspired by central Spain.