Bodegas Bernabeleva Arroyo del Tortolas

Tasting Notes from the Curator

Curator discerns a beautiful complexity etched within the realms of Bodegas Bernabeleva Arroyo del Tortolas. A medley of red and blue fruit preserves, a fragrant incense bouquet, and a tantalizing hint of spicecake and licorice, are supported by a nuanced presence of balsamic herb notes, scrubland scents, and floral undertones. Key flavor nodes like boysenberry, bitter cherry, violet pastille, and balsamic notes emerge triumphantly on the savoring palate, each underlined with a hint of acidity and a whisper of fine lees flavors. The wine’s texture holds beautifully poised nuances of freshness, suppleness, and balance, each note resonating with profound clarity and an impressively tannic persistence. As a distinct constituent of Madrid’s wine heritage, this wine bears the hallmark of stunning elegance and extraordinary purity.

Pairings & Suggestions

• Tapas: Serve with a variety of Spanish tapas for a culinary fiesta.
• Charcuterie: Pair this wine with select cuts of Jamón Ibérico, chorizo, and salchichón for an authentic Spanish experience.
• Roasted Meats: Enhance the wine’s complexity with roasted lamb or suckling pig delicately rubbed with a blend of herbs and spices.
• Spanish Stews: Cozy up with a hearty bowl of cocido madrileño for a comforting wine and dine combo.
• Cheeses: Kick back and enjoy the wine with a selection of aged Manchego, Idiazabal, or Valdeón cheese.

  Nestled between Tradition and Modernity

Bodegas Bernabeleva, an esteemed winery located in San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Spain, bears an illustrious history of crafting exceptional wines. First acquired in 1923 by Vincente Alvarez-Villamil, political instability and the Spanish Civil War curtailed his ambitious dreams. However, in 2006, his great-grandchildren, Juan Diez Bulnes and Santiago Matallana Bulnes, revived the family’s winemaking legacy. They sought to craft a wine that truly mirrored its terroir and the old-vine Garnacha. The Arroyo del Tortolas vineyard, part of the estate, features shifting geology, steep slopes, and high altitude. All these factors significantly shape the wine’s flavor profile, making it a true heirloom of Madrid.

Taste Profile

Technical Sheet

Storage Instructions

Store this wine between 55°F (13°C) to 59°F (15°C) to prevent potential spoilage. Maintain a humidity level of 50-70% to prevent cork drying and mold growth. Protect it from light exposure, and stabilize the bottle horizontally or at a slight angle. Keep away from strong odors and ensure proper air circulation. For precise control, consider a wine cooler or cellar.