Bodegas Comenge

Feature : Ribera del Duero

Bodegas Comenge

Alvaro Comenge welcomed us to his family estate. The company was established by his father, Jaime in 1999. Their first vintage was 2021.

Today the vineyards are sustainable and organic. Some of the old vines were planted over one hundred years ago. As we strolled through the vineyard, it was easy to recognize that the vines were in excellent health.

We toured the winery and were shown special tanks where they experimented with native yeasts in collaboration with the local university. This attention to detail was reflected in the quality of their wines. The native yeast adds lactic acid to the wines.

Alvaro’s father, Jaime, joined us when we entered the tasting area. He told us that his grandfather had written a popular wine book entitled “The Vines and Wines from Spain.”

Wines Tasted:

Carmen by Comenge 2021 Rose ****1/2 $26.99

Clarita-style white/ red blend. 50% Albillo, 50% red varieties (Tempranillo, Garnacha y Valencia) This wine is a tribute to Alvaro’s mother, Carmen. Dark pink color. Aromas of wild blackberry and violet. Pleasant flavors of spicy fresh strawberry and violet

Comenge 2020 Albillo Mayor ***** $39.99

100% Albillo Mayor grapes sourced from a vineyard planted in 1921. It is aged for nine months in 225-liter French barrels. Straw gold color. Intense floral aromas. Flavors of sweet spices, almonds, and cinnamon. One thousand, five hundred bottles were made.

Comenge El Origen 2018 ****1/2 $29.99

100% Organic Tempranillo. Aged for 13 months in French oak barrels. Fermentation with select native yeast. Garnet color. Aromas of fruity red currant and balsamic. Flavors of fresh red fruit, vanilla, cinnamon, and clove. Seventy-eight thousand, nine hundred and twenty-four (750ml) and 650 magnum bottles were produced.

Don Miguel Comenge 2017 ***** $65.99

90% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon Organic Grapes. It was aged for 22 months in new French Bordeaux oak barrels.

Black cherry/ opaque color. Aromas of black fruit, chocolate, and cassis. Flavors of bold baked blueberry pie. Thirteen thousand, three hundred and forty-five bottles were made.

Familia Comenge 2018 ***** $39.99

100% Organic Tempranillo. Sourced from vines that are 850-880 meters/ 2,887 feet above sea level. Aged 25 months in new and one-year-old French oak, developing a unique and delicious texture.

Black cherry color. Aromas of ripe red fruit, licorice, and caramel. Flavors of sweet tannins, vanilla, and caramel.

Bodegas Comenge

https://www.comenge.com/en/

The Comenge winery sits in one of the most beautiful locations in the Ribera del Duero region, between streams, vineyards, and castles