LUZ 2018 – The Andalusian Skin-Contact White

Origin and identity of the wine

Luz 2018 is born in the heart of Andalusia, a land of rich winemaking traditions and sunny landscapes that enhance the essence of local grapes. Made from 100% Zalema, a native variety of this region, it is a skin-contact white wine that reinterprets an ancient grape in a modern way. With only 1,000 bottles produced, it is a rare gem for wine lovers seeking authenticity and character.

Winemaking philosophy and respect for nature

The Zalema vineyards cover about 5 hectares, planted on calcareous-clay soils, historically suited for viticulture. The vines, averaging 65 years of age, are farmed following a natural and organic approach, free from synthetic treatments. The harvest is carried out entirely by hand, ensuring careful selection of the best grapes and full respect for the environment.

Vinification and ageing

After harvest, the grapes undergo a 4-day pre-fermentation maceration in amphorae, extracting aromas and texture. The wine then ages for 6 months in amphora, a choice that preserves its natural freshness while enhancing the complexity of Zalema without altering its essence.

Tasting notes

In the glass, Luz 2018 shows a deep golden yellow. On the nose, it offers ripe fruit, Mediterranean herbs, and delicate floral hints, enriched by subtle minerality. On the palate, it is structured yet fresh, with gentle tannins from maceration and a long, savory finish.

Food pairings

This skin-contact white pairs beautifully with aged cheeses, white meats, flavorful fish, and spiced dishes. It also complements vegetarian recipes such as roasted vegetables and legumes. A wine that delivers the warmth and heritage of Andalusia in every sip.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Andalusia

• Grape variety: 100% Zalema

• Appellation: Skin-Contact White Wine

• Vineyard size: 5 ha

• Soil: calcareous-clay

• Average vine age: 65 years

• Viticulture: natural, organic

• Harvest: manual

• Vinification: 4-day pre-fermentation maceration in amphora

• Ageing: 6 months in amphora

• SO2 added: none

• Production: 1,000 bottles

• Serving temperature: 12–14°C

Garay – The Authentic Voice of Zalema

History and Origins

Mario Garay was born into a family deeply connected to wine: his paternal grandfather was an oenologist, while his maternal family had been winemakers for generations. Originally from Cacabelos, in Castilla y León, Mario moved to La Palma del Condado for love. There, he decided to create his own wine project, founding Bodegas Garay in 2013.

For years, Mario sold his grapes to local wineries, but feeling they could not truly enhance their potential, he chose to work independently. This decision gave life to a small artisanal estate, which today counts around 5 hectares of vineyards, with more to come, and stands out for its unique identity.

The Vineyard and Philosophy

The true star here is Zalema, an indigenous white grape variety of western Andalusia. Mario Garay cultivates the first certified organic Zalema vineyard by CAAE, a milestone that underlines his respect for nature.

The vineyards, with vines over 50 years old and some reaching a century, are located at 150 meters of altitude, on medium-fertility calcareous-clay soils. This terroir has always been highly suited to viticulture, and Garay expresses it in its purest form.

Garay’s approach is simple yet radical: natural viticulture with minimal intervention. The soils remain covered by spontaneous vegetation to retain moisture and prevent erosion. No systemic treatments are applied, and every vineyard task – pruning, thinning, harvesting – is carried out by hand.

Winemaking

Harvest takes place between late August and early September, with grapes handpicked into small 20 kg crates. After careful selection, the bunches are destemmed, and pressing is done manually with a small oak press, reflecting a deeply artisanal spirit.

The free-run must ferments spontaneously in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts, preserving the varietal character of Zalema.

Aging

Depending on the style Mario Garay aims to achieve, his wines undergo different aging processes:

• in American or French oak barrels, for added structure and complexity;

• in non-buried amphorae, to highlight purity and freshness;

• or under oxidation with a flor veil, recalling the great Andalusian winemaking tradition.

This diversity allows Garay to showcase all the nuances of Zalema, from its most elegant and mineral expression to its oxidative and profound soul.