Bodega Toledo and Ajenjo, GarageWines, Airén, La Mancha, Spain, 2021
100% Airén - 11.5% abv.
The Airén grapes were sourced from a vineyard on chalky soils planted in 1940 by the great-grandparents of cousins Jesus and Julian Ajenjo of #GarageWines. They have paid homáge to them in this outstanding bottle of this lesser-known varietal.
In the glass, the Airen has a pale straw colour with hints of green, reflecting its youthful vibrancy. There is a subtle floral aspect present on the nose, reminiscent of white flowers, lending an elegant and refreshing quality to the wine. The Airen is bright and has zesty acidity. There is a refreshing burst of green apple and citrus, with a pleasant mineral undertone, that adds depth and complexity to the overall taste experience. Another superb #GarageWines production.
vegan ∙ practising organic
Decanter- 94 points / Guia Peñin – 89 points
100% Airén - 11.5% abv.
The Airén grapes were sourced from a vineyard on chalky soils planted in 1940 by the great-grandparents of cousins Jesus and Julian Ajenjo of #GarageWines. They have paid homáge to them in this outstanding bottle of this lesser-known varietal.
In the glass, the Airen has a pale straw colour with hints of green, reflecting its youthful vibrancy. There is a subtle floral aspect present on the nose, reminiscent of white flowers, lending an elegant and refreshing quality to the wine. The Airen is bright and has zesty acidity. There is a refreshing burst of green apple and citrus, with a pleasant mineral undertone, that adds depth and complexity to the overall taste experience. Another superb #GarageWines production.
vegan ∙ practising organic
Decanter- 94 points / Guia Peñin – 89 points
100% Airén - 11.5% abv.
The Airén grapes were sourced from a vineyard on chalky soils planted in 1940 by the great-grandparents of cousins Jesus and Julian Ajenjo of #GarageWines. They have paid homáge to them in this outstanding bottle of this lesser-known varietal.
In the glass, the Airen has a pale straw colour with hints of green, reflecting its youthful vibrancy. There is a subtle floral aspect present on the nose, reminiscent of white flowers, lending an elegant and refreshing quality to the wine. The Airen is bright and has zesty acidity. There is a refreshing burst of green apple and citrus, with a pleasant mineral undertone, that adds depth and complexity to the overall taste experience. Another superb #GarageWines production.
vegan ∙ practising organic
Decanter- 94 points / Guia Peñin – 89 points
In 2015, the Garage Wine project was initiated in the quaint town of Quintanar de la Orden by Jesus and Julian Ajenjo, who are cousins deeply connected to the local agricultural scene. Their approach revolves around sustainability, employing minimal intervention and achieving very low yields. Their primary focus lies in cultivating indigenous grape varieties on vines that often exceed half a century in age. The vineyards are dry-farmed, and the fermentation process adheres to traditional methods. Their sole aim is to convey the distinctive character of the wine's place of origin.
Initially, the project took shape in a humble garage, equipped with just the essentials: two tanks, two barrels, a destemmer, and a crusher. This modest setup allowed them to produce their inaugural 500 bottles during the 2015 vintage. Subsequently, they expanded their repertoire, increasing the number of wines and bottles. Nevertheless, their unwavering commitment to their origins remains unchanged. Presently, they craft approximately 10,000 bottles comprising eight distinct wine varieties.
Soil: clay / loam
Viticulture: goblet. Single vineyard. 83 yrs old vines. In the process of getting organic certification.
Vinification: Maceration with skin contact apporx. 24 hrs. Fermentation at 16ºC in inert vessels with native yeasts for 12 days. Aged on lees in stainless steel.