Garmón Continental

The name Mariano Garcia carries great weight in Spain; he enjoys cult status in specialist and expert circles. For a long time, the gifted winemaker was responsible for the wines of Vega Sicilia and has clearly underlined the top position of this exceptional bodega. He has firmly established Bodegas Mauro and San Román in the top group of Spanish wineries and, as co-owner of Aalto, he has also paved the way to the top for another celebrated bodega. Now, however, he has embarked on a new project together with his two sons - Garmón Continental. And it comes as no surprise that this boutique winery is already one of the celebrated stars of the Ribera del Duero region. As with all his projects, he has left nothing to chance here, but has planned everything meticulously. The winery and vineyards are located in the immediate vicinity of the legends Vega Sicilia and Dominio de Pingus. The parcels are planted with Tempranillo vines that are up to 100 years old. And they are located at around 1,000 meters above sea level in a rather harsh climate. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees during the day, dropping to around 15 degrees at night. The vines have to root deep to get the moisture they need. Winters are inhospitable and cold. But this is precisely what gives Spain's flagship variety, the Tempranillo, a rich aromatic structure and plenty of tension in the wines. The grapes are of course harvested very gently by hand, the must and wine are moved in the cellar exclusively by gravity and the wine is matured over a long period in barriques. And all this effort is made for just one wine, the Garmon, a 100% Tempranillo. And it has quickly become one of the most sought-after wines in the region. However, the number of bottles produced is so small that for many wine fans this search will end in nothing.