Mélida Wines

Recently picked Tempranillo fermenting, (R) Fernando and Miriam Valenti

Mélida Wines

This micro wine producer is laying down solid roots for the future of Ribera del Duero. They are in the small village of Mélida with a population of just 34 residents.

The company was founded by Miriam Valenti and her sister Silvia Herrera Redondo. Both sisters have degrees in enology from the University of Valladolid. The two sisters conceived the project with the help of their father, Javier. Meriam’s husband, Fernando Valenti, an Argentinian native with extensive wine industry experience, is also part of the team.

This unique project included renovating and rebuilding a decrepit building into a modern winery with a restaurant and lodging. They offer two different “houses” or rooms at affordable rates (220 E Weekend, 500 E whole week).

When we visited, we were impressed with how well everything was designed and produced in such a compact space. We were delighted to taste their wines on the second-level restaurant with Fernando and Miriam. Silvia is also a talented chef who prepared a delicious lunch.

The trio’s global experience working around the globe in Argentina, Bordeaux, and New Zealand has been instrumental in helping them produce a unique style of elegant wines in Ribera del Duero. This has put Melida wines on the radar of several prominent wine critics, including the UK-based Master of Wine, Tim Atkin.

We enjoyed Spanish canned sardines and anchovies, a quail salad with mango and caviar lentils, polenta, red pepper sauce, and roast lamb and chips during our visit. The desserts were decadent.

Wines Tasted:

Mélida Parpados 2019 ****1/2 $40

100% Tempranillo hand-picked from 25-yearold vines. Aged in used French oak barrels. Deep purple, opaque. Aromas of blueberry, stone fruit, menthol, and leather. Flavors of lush, spicy blueberry, and balsamic. Five thousand bottles were produced.

Mélida Eternata 2020 ***** $65 100% Tempranillo hand-picked from a whole cluster of 80-year-old vines. It is aged in used 225-liter French oak barrels (2nd & 3rd use). Deep purple color. Aromas of blueberry, plum, stone fruit, a eucalyptus. Full mouth, juicy flavors of red fruit, plum with a long finish. One thousand bottles were produced.

Mélida Dos Alas Rojas 2019 ****1/2 $75

100% Tempranillo clusters hand-picked from 25-year old vines. It is fermented in used 500-liter French oak barrels, then aged in the same barrels for 24 months. Deep ruby color. Aromas of blueberry and stone fruit. Flavors of dark red fruit, blackberries, plums, balsamic, and soy. One thousand, two hundred bottles were produced.

Mélida Wines

https://melidawines.com/

Caviar lentils with mango and quail (Top). Almond pastry with cream.