Península Vinicultores
Sistema Central
About Península Vinicultores
Península Vinicultores makes high-elevation, old-vine wines from vineyards at risk of being abandoned in the Sierra de Gredos and other historic growing areas in the Sistema Central, the mountain chain that bisects the Iberian Peninsula. From a bird’s eye view, Península is a winery and vineyard management company that encompasses all four Spanish brands in our portfolio: Bideona, Mayela, Península, and Bodegas Fontana. The Península label itself is made up of a white (‘Vino Atlántico’) and a red field blend (‘Vino de Montaña’).
Península Vinicultores was founded by two Masters of Wine: Andreas Kubach MW, leads production and Sam Harrop MW directs viticulture. Andreas, raised in Brazil and Spain by German parents, and Sam, a native New Zealander, bring a new-wave, international perspective to the Spanish wine landscape. Andreas believes that in the past century, and notably post-industrialization, Spanish producers have prioritized wines of style, focusing on winemaking and aging, rather than wines of place. This creates what he calls a “ceiling of interest” for terroir. Inspired to change this narrative, he is focusing on small, old-vine plots all over Spain that were either formerly abandoned or are at risk of being ripped out for to plant more lucrative cash crops. The wines also champion local, indigenous varieties traditional to their respective regions and best express site.
The two wines in this lineup are an exploration of the dichotomies between sea and mountain influences, coming from Sierra de Gredos (just west of Madrid), Sierra de Gata (west of Sierra de Gredos and bordering Portugal), and Bizkaiko Txakolina (in the Basque country of northern Spain near the Bay of Biscay). Vino Atlántico Blanco comes from a single, 17-acre vineyard called Saratsu, located in Amorebieta, Bizkaia (Biscay). The goal with this wine is to contribute to a new generation of age worthy, complex, terroir-driven Txakoli. The Vino de Montaña is a red field blend made from indigenous varieties like Piñuela, Rufete, and Garnacha grown in the Sierras de Gata y Gredos. It pays homage to Spain’s tradition of lighter, gastronomic styles of red wine.
In the cellar, Península Vinicultores keeps it simple. The whites are fermented and aged in stainless-steel and concrete, while the reds are kept in a mix of stainless-steel and used French oak. A blend of indigenous and cultured yeast is used for fermentation, and sulfur is the only other addition before bottling.
By building market access for the fruit of old vines in the Sistema Central mountain range, Península Vinicultores is helping to preserve the traditions and economic viability of local growers. The wines speak truthfully of their high-elevation origins, with zip and minerality at their core. Resurrected to their former glory, these old vines are contributing to Spain’s new story: one of freshness and drinkability and regionality above all else.
- Owners Andreas Kubach MW, Sam Harrop MW, and the Cantarero & Izaguirre families
- Average Annual Production 5,400 cases
- Farming Practices Practicing organic