Our first full day took us north to the lesser known area of Cigales. Historically known for dark rosados, this area has experienced a fabulous renaissance and big estates from outside the region are investing in old vineyards and rejuvenating the local wine economy. Our first stop was to Vina Concejo – a wonderful family owned estate run by Enrique Concejo who I first met back in 2012. He hasn’t changed a bit! Wonderful sense of humour and a clear joy in talking about his family, his business and the local history of Cigales.
It was thoroughly engaging and absorbing visit that culminated in an amazing tasting that incorporated two rosés and five reds – and what a selection! Having tasted the Carroduenas and Vina Concejo rosés, we moved onto the Reserva 2019, Reserva 2007 and then the amazing opportunity to taste their first 1999 vintage which was still in great shape. If that wasn’t all, we finished with their limited edition (1500 bottles) Concejo + 2021 which was utterly amazing.
This was an incredible start to the tour.
From Cigales it was a 40 minute drive to the village of La Seca, one of the most important wine villages in Rueda and home to the historic bodega of the Menade estate and the Sanz family. This is another winery that I have been visiting since 2012 and it has been great to see the developments and changes over that time. Organically certified, the Sanz family have a deep commitment to the environment and have introduced insect hotels, donkeys, geese, chickens and a host of other initiatives to create a really sustainable approach to viticulture.
Ivan, who runs their Enoturismo is a wonderfully passionate exponent of their philosophy and brings it to life with honesty and humour.
We took a walk through the amazing old cellars and got a deep insight into the old methods of vinification before moving onto the newer bodega where we took a walk in the herb garden and viewed the donkeys at first hand. Lunch now beckoned and what a spread! Home made hummus, wonderful chorizo, rosemary encrusted cheese, roast ham, courgette pasta salad, it just went on . Absolutely delicious.
