Old Garnacha, new vision
On the rugged granite soils of the Sierra de Gredos, about sixty kilometers west of Madrid, lies Las Moradas de San Martín. Here, at 870 meters altitude, Garnacha and Albillo Real are cultivated in a place rich in both wine and cultural history. The winery was founded in 1999 with a clear purpose: to restore old vineyards and reintroduce native grape varieties to this overlooked corner of D.O. Vinos de Madrid.
Garnacha with character
The vineyards of Las Moradas cover 21 hectares and are home to old vines, some over a hundred years old. They are dry farmed in bush form, without irrigation, on nutrient-poor granite soils that quickly drain rainwater.
These natural conditions lead to low yields and intensely concentrated grapes. Wild vegetation, from juniper to rosemary, forms an essential part of the ecosystem and leaves its mark on the aroma and flavor of the wines. Since 2002, the estate has worked organically, with official certification in place from the 2017 harvest onward.
Winemaking without interference
In the cellar, everything is done on a small scale, with separate vinification per plot. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts, without fining or filtration. Sulfur use is kept to an absolute minimum, sometimes reduced to zero. Only natural yeasts and bacteria from the grapes themselves are used.
Ageing takes place in French oak barrels of various sizes, including larger foudres, always with a focus on balance and purity. The result: vibrant, unpolished wines with a distinct natural character.
Wines with soul
The wines of Las Moradas are pure, honest and layered. Albillo Real ECO is a white wine with tension and structure, while Senda and Initio are Garnachas with depth, energy and a spicy, mineral edge. Las Luces, made from the oldest plots, undergoes extended ageing and shows Garnacha at its most powerful, without ever becoming heavy. Each wine reflects its origin, shaped by wild herbs, rocky soils and the cool mountain light of the Sierra.
A place with a story
The name Las Moradas is a nod to the book of the same name by Saint Teresa of Ávila, written in this very region. Literature and landscape are subtly intertwined in the winery’s story: wine labels feature excerpts by contemporary Spanish authors who wrote specially for Las Moradas. The winery sees wine as a form of expression, carefully crafted like a good story, with attention to detail, depth and origin.
