The Sierra de Gredos is a rugged mountain range west of Madrid not well known enough by those outside of Spain. In recent years, talented artisanal winemakers have begun setting up shop there, reclaiming old bush vines planted at its 750-960m varying heights of elevation. Cuatro Monos, or “Four Monkeys,” is a group of four friends native to Gredos who are avid hikers in addition to being wine producers and professionals. This blend of theirs, composed of old vines of Garnacha, Cariñena, Morenillo and Syrah, is named “GR-10” for a famous hiking trail that connects Lisbon to Valencia; the path cuts through some of their vineyards. The wine is savory, spicy, and complex, but with the transparency and tension that come from these otherwise powerful varieties being grown on granitic heights, balanced by the coolness that comes from being in the mountains. This is perhaps one of Spain’s most special spots for red wines.
