Curro Barreño and Jesús Olivares will be better known in the UK as the founders of Fedellos de Couto, the label under which they produce some of the most sought after Ribeira Sacra. This project sees a return to home roots and wines produced from some of the most spectacular vineyards in the Sierra de Gredos. Here, located in San Martín de Valdeiglesias in the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos. The altitude, granitic sandy soil and ancient vines, collude to produce some of the freshest and appealing wines made from Grenache in Spain.
The estate has 20 hectares of 30-80 year old vines which are cultivated organically and include Garnacha, Albillo and Moscatel. Much of the vineyard land is under recovery and this is being undertaken slowly to ensure the old vines have a chance to recover, rather than replanting. It is a continental climate, with altitudes between 700 and 850 metres asl and annual average at rainfall 600 mm and annual average temperature 13,7 º C. Wine making is along the minimal intervention path, indigenous yeasts, cold smooth macerations and the use of whole brunches.
Valautin is a ‘village’ Albillo from San Martín de Valdeiglesias. From several little parcels on red granitic soils with various orientations. Whole brunch direct press, alcoholic fermentation and aging in French oak barrels for 8 months. Los Peros is Albillo from the village of Los Peros at 850 metres asl with red granitic soils. Whole brunch direct press, alcoholic fermentation and aging in French oak barrels for 8 months.
Valautin Garnacha is from the village of San Martin de Valdeiglesias. Several small parcels on red granite are selected and the fruit has a gentle 90 day macerations with whole brunch. Ageing is for one year, 50% concrete and 50% old French 500 litre barrels. Fuente de los Huertos is old vine plots on shallow granitic soil with a high quartz level at 800 metres and on a NW orientation. Ageing is for one year in 50% concrete and 50% 500 litre wood. Finally Andrinal is from the oldest vines at 850 metres in Andrinoso on red granite. Whole bunch ferment for 60 days and raised in concrete and oak.