Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón
(An Online Virtual Visit)
by
Terry and Kathy Sullivan
We received two samples of wine from Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón. International Manager, Liola Hernáez responded to our online questions about Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón. Liola Hernáez had an interesting wine journey that led her to Monteabellón. She wrote, “I am from Rioja and I have spent 17 years working in the wine business as an International manager for another winery in Rioja. I met Juanma García, CEO of Bodegas Monteabellón, in Mexico 15 years ago because we shared the same importer in Mexico. From that moment, I always had contact with Monteabellón and followed their progress. In some occasion Juanma ask me to join Monteabellón project but being from Rioja was a bit difficult for me, heart region reason... But then Juanma asked one more time 5 years ago and I felt that was the moment for us both. I was open and well-motivated to work in Ribera del Duero and I always loved Monteabellón wines, family and projects so I decided to join them to develop the international markets, and here we are… .”
History
The current Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón was founded in 2002 in the town of Nava de Roa by the Garcia family whose viticulture and winemaking experiences span several generations. The first vineyard was planted by the family’s Grandfather Fabian in 1948. Liola Hernáez stated, “from that moment all the family has been working the vineyards in Ribera del Duero for many other important wineries as Arzuaga, Pago de Carraovejas, Carmelo Rodero or Protos so we can't not remember a moment in our lives when the wine and the terroir has not been present.”
By 1980 the family’s viticulture company provided service and control of many vineyards in the Ribera del Duero region for other wineries as well as their own. The third generation of the Garcia family started to build the Monteabellón winery in 1988. In 2002, Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón produced its first wine 5 Meses en Barrica. In 2022, Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Vineyards
Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón’s vineyards are spread out in 43 parcels surrounding the town of Nava de Roa. Over 140 hectares (346 acres) are planted with mostly Tempranillo and a small percentage of Merlot. The vineyards benefit from the terroir. For example the diurnal air temperature can vary by 30 degrees. Liola explained, “that temperature difference between day and night, gives us a singular and very powerful Tempranillo that gives the special character to our wines. In addition we plant always in altitudes, our vineyards are based in three different levels, 750 meters (2461 feet), 850 meters (2789 feet) and nearly 1000 meters (3281 feet). This allows us to have brilliant acidity in the wines that then reflect the quality of Monteabellón wines.
Differences in soils also impact the grapes. This gives the winemaking team a diversity of grapes to craft wines.
Grapes are harvested during the coolness of the night. Then sent to the winery, at most, just 10 km away.
Winemaking
The winemaker at Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón is Isaac Fernandez Montaña who has been with Monteabellón for 15 years. Isaac learned his winemaking skills from his uncle, Mariano Garcia.
The winemaking team uses modern winemaking techniques to ensure the excellence of the wines they craft .
The Wines
2021 Avaniel
The 2021 Avaniel, Ribera del Duero DDO (Denominación de Origen), was made entirely from 100%Tempranillo grapes grown in sandy loam soils with plenty of pebbles. The 14.5% alcohol wine had an opaque ruby color. The aroma was reminiscent of fresh black fruits.The soft mouthfeel had tastes of blackberries, black cherries, black raspberries and a hint of earthiness. The wine was full bodied with medium tannins. On the finish, fruit yielded to earthiness. The wine matches well with meats from chicken to beef. It can also pair with soft cheeses. The wine retails for about $21.00.
2020 5 meses en barrica
The 2020 Monteabellón 5 Meses en Barrica, Ribera del Duero DDO was crafted entirely from Tempranillo grapes grown in sandy loam soil with pebbles. The wine aged for five months in barrels, half French oak and half American oak. The 14.5% alcohol wine had a very dark opaque ruby color with a dark purple hue. The aroma offered red cherries and black fruits. The taste included red cherries, blackberries, blueberries and baking spices. The smooth mouthfeel was accompanied by a full body and medium-bold tannins. The finish was fruity and spicy yielding to earthy notes on the aftertaste. Any meat or cheese would pair well with this wine. The wine is also delightful to enjoy on a relaxing porch or deck, or next to a winter’s warm fireplace. The wine retails for about $42.00.
Wine Tourism
Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón is committed to offering different wine tourism experiences to wine enthusiasts in both Spanish and English. Liola explained, “Monteabellón is not a classical or huge winery but is a winery where you can feel close to the family, the vineyards and make you understand why Ribera del Duero is special, and of course, you will enjoy tasting our brilliant wines.”
Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón offers three different winery experiences.
Experience 1: Learn about winemaking including wine aromas and tactile sensations during a winery tour. This tour is followed by tasting 4 wines with a selection of appetizers made with local products. A personalized glass is included. Time: 90 minutes. Cost 15 euros per person.
Experience 2: Experience views of the Douro Valley and while viewing the beauty of the vineyards enjoy one Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón wine paired with an appetizer.
Back at the winery, tourists will see the details of winemaking which will be followed by a tasting of four Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón wines which will also include a variety of Iberian cold cuts and local products. The visit takes approximately 120 minutes and the cost is 25 euros per person. Each visitor receives a personalized glass.
Experience 3: Plan a personalized visit. The staff at Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón will design a special plan for you. Decide what is best for your group. Do you want wine paired with chocolate, a romantic lunch, a fun activity or learn about sensory wine tasting with your friends, family or co-workers? The winery will design something special for you.
When visiting the Ribera del Duero wine region make an appointment to visit Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón in Nava de Roa.
Bodegas y Viñedos Monteabellón
s/n, Burgos, C. Calvario,
09318 Nava de Roa,
Burgos, España
Tel: (+34) 947 55 00 00
Article written June 2023.
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