MALVA 2020

Origins and identity of the wine

Malva 2020 was born in the heart of Castilla y León, from 100% Mencía grapes, a variety that embodies the soul of Bierzo. This wine is the result of meticulous work that blends rural tradition with a modern vision. Production is limited to just 1,200 bottles, making it a rare and coveted gem that tells the story of a terroir guarding the secrets of this unique grape for centuries.

Vineyard philosophy and respect for nature

The vineyards, cultivated with principles of organic and natural viticulture, are located in a territory rich in minerality and blessed with a perfect microclimate. Respectful vineyard management allows Mencía to fully express its authenticity. The harvest is strictly manual, ensuring only the finest grapes are selected and the natural purity of the fruit is preserved.

Winemaking and aging techniques

Winemaking follows artisanal methods designed to highlight the fruit’s natural character. Grapes ferment and macerate on the skins for about five months in amphora, a choice that enhances authenticity and structure. The wine then ages for six months, gaining elegance and balance while maintaining its original freshness.

Tasting notes

The glass shows a bright and intense ruby red color. The nose reveals aromas of ripe red fruits, fresh flowers, and subtle spicy hints that enrich its bouquet. On the palate, it is harmonious, fresh, and mineral, with gentle tannins and a persistent finish that delivers balance and finesse.

Recommended food pairings

Malva 2020 pairs beautifully with both traditional Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Ideal with roasted meats, aged cheeses, and rich first courses, it also surprises with hearty vegetarian dishes and spiced legumes. Its freshness and depth make it the perfect companion for convivial dinners and authentic sharing moments.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Castilla y León

• Grapes: 100% Mencía del Bierzo

• Appellation: Red wine from Mencía del Bierzo

• Viticulture: natural, organic

• Harvest: manual

• Vinification: fermentation and maceration on the skins for 5 months in amphora

• Aging: 6 months

• SO2 added: none

• Production: 1,200 bottles

• Serving temperature: 16–18°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.