Nestled in the heart of Spain, just a short drive from Madrid, lies the mysterious Sierra de Gredos wine region. Known for its breathtaking mountainous landscapes and unique terroir, Sierra de Gredos is a haven for wine enthusiasts, even though it lacks its own DO status.
This Spanish region is celebrated for its exceptional Garnacha wines, crafted from high-altitude vineyards that thrive in the diverse microclimates of the Gredos mountains. As we take you through this picturesque area, you’ll discover not only outstanding wines but also a rich history.
Join us as we explore the wonders of Sierra de Gredos, a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered.
Why is Sierra de Gredos so unique?
Around 20 years ago, the overlooked old vines in the Sierra de Gredos mountains, located west of Madrid, were nowhere in the international wine map. Since then it has attracted some of Spain’s top young winemakers and it’s gaining recognition for its pale, elegant Garnacha and complex Albillo Real whites.
Sierra de Gredos, a stunning mountain range in central Spain, enjoys a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, fostering complex grape flavors. Moderate rainfall, sunny days, and cool nights provide an ideal environment for grape maturation.
The region’s terroir is complex with predominantly granitic soils, mixed with schist and slate, are well-draining and poor in organic matter, pushing vine roots to dig deep.
This struggle enhances the minerality and intensity of the wines, giving them a rich, earthy character and vibrant acidity, but not only the geography of the place or the terrain makes Gredos unique, it’s also how complex the landscape is.
Vineyards are scattered in the region that it is divided between three different provinces—Toledo, Madrid, and Avila. This makes the idea of having a Gredos DO very difficult because of all the paperwork.
Influence of the Mountainous Terrain
The rugged terrain of Sierra de Gredos plays a crucial role in its viticulture and creates a complex diversity microclimates due to natural barriers.
Comprising three glacial valleys, Sierra de Gredos offers diverse locations for vines:
- The southern Valle del Tiétar features a Mediterranean climate with rainy springs, hot summers, and granite soils.
- The central Valle del Alberche, with slightly higher altitudes (1,970–2,950 ft or 600–900 m), has a drier Mediterranean climate and granite soils.
- The northern Valle Alto Alberche, at altitudes of 3,280–4,100 ft (1,000–1,250 m), experiences a more extreme continental climate, with soils of pure granite and quartz.
Why does Garnacha thrive in the Sierra de Gredos wine region?
Garnacha, known as Grenache in France, is a versatile and widely planted grape variety with a rich history dating back centuries. It thrives in various wine regions around the world, including Spain, France, Australia, and the United States, but in the Sierra de Gredos Garnacha it has found a unique environment.
Garnacha is prized for its ability to produce wines with bold fruit flavors, moderate tannins, and relatively high alcohol content. The grape itself is thin-skinned and tends to ripen late in the season, making it well-suited for warm climates. It is often used in blends to add body, fruitiness, and complexity.
Sustainable and Organic Farming Practices in Sierra de Gredos
In the Sierra de Gredos, many winemakers prioritize sustainable and organic farming practices to maintain the health of the vineyards and the surrounding environment. These practices include the use of natural composts and fertilizers, minimizing chemical inputs, and employing integrated pest management to control vineyard pests.
Cover cropping is also common, where plants are grown between vine rows to enhance soil fertility, prevent erosion, and promote biodiversity. This commitment to sustainability helps preserve the unique terroir of the region and produces healthier, more expressive Garnacha grapes.
The importance of Garnacha in Sierra de Gredos
Garnacha’s adaptability to the diverse terroirs within Sierra de Gredos allows winemakers to craft a range of styles, from elegant and refined to bold and robust. This versatility makes Garnacha the cornerstone of Sierra de Gredos’ wine identity, contributing to its reputation as a premier wine region in Spain.
The dedication to traditional and sustainable cultivation methods enhances the quality and distinctiveness of these wines, making them highly sought after by wine enthusiasts around the world.
In Gredos, Garnacha has found a particular expression, subtle, light and fresh. Many call it the Spanish Pinot Noir, and it’s nothing like other types of Garnachas you can find in Spain.
Albillo Real wines in Sierra de Gredos
Although the most famous grape in Gredos is Garnacha, Albillo Real, the flagship white grape, is a hidden gem deserving more recognition.
Unique to Gredos, where it has thrived since at least the 17th century, its wines offer remarkable texture, depth, and complexity. When chilled, they are steely; at cool room temperature, they reveal layers of honey, jasmine, salt, chamomile, honeysuckle, citrus pith, and herbs.
The balance of Albillo Real wines comes from precision and skin contact rather adding freshness and grip. These wines excel with full fermentation on the skins, becoming savory orange wines that are bursting in popularity right now. Whether orange or white, they have the quality to pair perfectly with food.
Notable Wineries and Wines in Sierra de Gredos
Comando G
We cannot talk about wine from Sierra de Gredos, without mentioning Comando G. Founded by Fernando García and Daniel Gómez Jiménez-Landi in 2008, Commando G is one of the most celebrated wineries in the region.
Both founders brought extensive winemaking experience and a passion for Garnacha, aiming to highlight the potential of this grape variety in the unique terroir of Sierra de Gredos. Comando G is renowned for its meticulous approach to winemaking and its commitment to expressing the terroir.
Signature Wines of Comando G
Their signature wines include “La Bruja de Rozas,” a vibrant and aromatic Garnacha with notes of red fruits, herbs, and spices, and “Las Umbrías,” a more complex and age-worthy wine that showcases the minerality and depth characteristic of the region.
Both wines reflect the purity and elegance that Comando G strives for in every bottle.
Other Prominent Wineries in Gredos
Bodega Marañones is another key player in Sierra de Gredos, known for its dedication to organic farming and traditional winemaking techniques. The winery produces a range of Garnacha wines that are celebrated for their balance, elegance, and expression of the local terroir.
Signature wines include “Picarana,” a fresh and mineral-driven white wine, and “30,000 Maravedíes,” a red wine with rich fruit flavors and a silky texture.
Bodegas Bernabeleva, established in 1923, combines historical traditions with modern winemaking practices to produce outstanding Garnacha wines. The winery’s vineyards are cultivated using sustainable methods, and their wines are known for their complexity and depth. Notable wines include “Navaherreros,” a red blend that highlights the best of Garnacha and other local varieties, and “Camino de Navaherreros,” a more approachable yet equally expressive red wine.
Awards and Recognitions of Sierra de Gredos wines
Comando G’s wines have been highly praised by critics and have received high scores from prestigious publications like Wine Advocate and Decanter. Bodega Marañones and Bodegas Bernabeleva have also garnered a lot of fans for their exceptional wines, showcasing the quality and distinctiveness of Garnacha from this region.
Gastronomy Tips for Sierra de Gredos Wines
Garnacha wines from Sierra de Gredos pair beautifully with traditional dishes from Spain, enhancing the flavors and creating a harmonious dining experience. Some classic pairings include:
- Cochinillo Asado (Roast Suckling Pig): The rich, succulent flavors of this dish are complemented by the fruity and spicy notes of Garnacha, balancing the richness with acidity.
- Cabrito Asado (Roast Goat): The tender meat and delicate flavors of roast kid goat are well-matched with the complexity and minerality of Garnacha wines.
- Judías del Barco (Bean Stew): This hearty bean stew, often made with chorizo and other local ingredients, pairs nicely with Garnacha’s robust fruit flavors and soft tannins.
- Cheese and Charcuterie Pairings: Garnacha also pairs excellently with a variety of cheeses and charcuterie, like Manchego Cheese, Iberian Ham and Chorizo.
Visiting the Sierra de Gredos Wine Region
The best times to visit Sierra de Gredos are during the spring (April to June), the end of summer and autumn (September to October).
In spring, the vineyards come alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery, providing a picturesque backdrop for wine tours. The weather is mild and pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities.
Autumn, especially during the grape harvest season, offers a unique opportunity to witness winemaking in action, with vibrant fall colors enhancing the landscape and a festive atmosphere throughout the region.
But more important that the time of the year you decide to visit the vineyards, know there are a lot activities for groups and private experiences awaiting for you in Gredos.
Wine Tours and Tasting Experiences in Sierra de Gredos
Just 1 hour and 10 minutes from Madrid, Sierra de Gredos it’s an accessible and picturesque wine destination and we at Colorful Wines specialize in crafting itineraries to discover all the region has to offer.
Actually, we were one of the first tour operators in the area to offer unique itineraries in Sierra de Gredos.
Our Sierra de Gredos signature Wine Tour includes guided visits to two local wineries, offering a firsthand look at the winemaking process.
Our experts sommeliers will share unique insights into the Sierra de Gredos terroir and winemaking styles of this popular region.
In our signature Gredos wine tour: a visit to the first winery invites you to taste red Garnacha and aromatic Albillo Real, and tour the centenary vineyards to learn about their ecological winemaking and aging process. Head to the second winery to experience the vineyard landscape, harvest process, and grape stomping. Enjoy a tasting of local wines and learn about their distinctive flavors.
Afterward, enjoy a gastronomic lunch at a local restaurant or winery tasting room with views of the vineyard, or partake in a simpler workshop with Iberian ham and cheese.
Finally, explore the historical significance of Sierra de Gredos, a symbol of resistance during “La reconquista,” with its rugged mountains serving as a natural barrier and stronghold against Moorish invasions.
‘The wines were all amazing and symbolic of the region!! We were also treated to delicious snacks as we sipped our wine’
Other wine activities in Sierra de Gredos
Pruning Workshop in Gredos
Guided by experienced local winemakers, you’ll learn the essential techniques of vine pruning, crucial for maintaining healthy vines and ensuring a quality grape harvest. This hands-on activity not only enhances your understanding of viticulture but also allows you to directly contribute to the lifecycle of the vineyards.
Harvest Experience
Join us during the grape harvest season to pick ripe grapes by hand, just as it has been done for centuries. You’ll gain firsthand knowledge of the hard work and dedication that goes into producing our elegant wines. This immersive experience is both educational and rewarding, offering a unique glimpse into the heart of the Gredos winemaking process.
Gastronomic Lunch in the vineyard
After a morning of hands-on activities, unwind with a delightful outdoor lunch featuring Chuletillas de cordero en sarmientos de la vid (BBQ lamb chops cooked over vine shoots). Enjoy this traditional Spanish dish in the serene surroundings of our vineyards, paired perfectly with our locally produced wines. It’s the ideal way to savor the flavors of Sierra de Gredos while relaxing and soaking in the beautiful landscape.
Local Festivals and Events
Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending some of the region’s vibrant festivals and events:
- Fiestas de la Vendimia: Celebrated during the grape harvest season in September, this festival features traditional music, dance, and wine tastings.
- Romería de San Isidro: Held in May, this festival honors the patron saint of farmers with processions, food, and local wines.
- Feria del Vino: An annual wine fair showcasing the best wines of Sierra de Gredos, with opportunities for tastings, workshops, and meeting local winemakers.
Sierra de Gredos is a remarkable Spanish wine region known for its unique terroir, high-altitude vineyards, and exceptional Garnacha wines. The combination of stunning mountainous landscapes, traditional winemaking practices, and diverse microclimates results in wines of outstanding quality and character. This region offers not only exquisite wines but also a rich cultural and natural heritage waiting to be explored.
Discover Sierra de Gredos
Our Private tour includes guided visits to two wineries, where you will have the opportunity to witness their winemaking process firsthand. You will immerse yourself in the world of wine as knowledgeable experts share insights into the unique terroir of Sierra de Gredos.
We encourage you to explore and taste the wines of Sierra de Gredos, discovering the flavors that have captivated wine enthusiasts around the world. As this Spanish wine region gains growing recognition, it stands out as a must-visit destination for wine lovers seeking authenticity and excellence.
Book a tour with Colorful Wines to experience a private winery visit just a short trip from Madrid. Immerse yourself in the beauty and flavors of Sierra de Gredos, and create unforgettable memories with our expert-guided tours.
