Vinessens Bodegas y Vinedos

The Vinessens Bodegas y Vinedos winery is the continuation of the viticultural history created by Rafa Bernabe, who is a wine artist, an experimenter and a risk taker, recognised worldwide as one of the pioneers of artisanal winemaking in southern Spain. His bodega is located in Villena, in the wine-growing area of Alicante, which is a middle ground between the coast, the long sandy beaches, the saltiness and the high, rocky plateaus standing 700 metres above sea level, and its story is closely connected with that of Marta and Andres, a couple of enologists and Rafa's lifelong friends. The wines they produce are a perfect mix of these two contrasting territorial souls and despite the fact that they come from one of the hottest areas in the whole of Spain, they impress with their disarming freshness in every sip. The vineyards are planted with the traditional alberello system and managed following the principles of organic agriculture. They are located in two different areas of the landscape: in the La Mata natural park, which overlooks the sea on poor, sandy soils, the white varieties typical of the area are grown, such as Muscat de Alexandria and Merseguera, while in the Villena vineyards, Monastrell, Granache, Rojal and Ramblis grapes are the main stars.

The Vinessens Bodegas y Vinedos winery is actively involved in Rafa's legacy: continuing the winemaking tradition of a singular and eccentric character of this Spanish region, whose courageous and progressive spirit has committed itself every day to challenging the wine industry, which in his land has been responsible for the loss of the authentic flavour of the most typical varieties, in favour of the standardisation of taste and style. In the vineyard, the use of all types of pesticides and synthetic products has been banned, in favour of specific, respectful and sustainable care of the soil, which goes hand in hand with the cultivation of varieties that risk extinction. His winemaking style in the cellar is inspired and influenced by Georgian winemakers, the spiritual relationship they establish with the fermenting must and, most importantly, their use of qvevri, or terracotta amphorae. Rafa was the first in Spain to use the Villarobledo tinajas made by the craftsman Juan Padilla, long before any trends, before any commercial pressure and before their authentic meaning was lost. His special characteristic was to use the amphorae as a true master, without adding anything other than the grapes themselves, restoring the wine to the earth, and enriching its organoleptic and tactile profile, without compromising its enjoyable and energetic drinkability. Thank you Maria and Andres for ensuring that Rafa's wines remain alive and kicking, day after day.