Pergolas
 Valdepeñas (Spain)

The Estate
Founded as a small family operation in 1904 by Juan Megia Sánchez.  The production increased continuously and reached in the thirties already a volume of 160 000 litres. During the Civil War the winery was confiscated by the Republicans and only in the year 1940 given back to the family Megía – however without the wine. They had to restart the business from ground zero. After the crisis in the eighties, from which many wineries of the region were affected, the current owner, Don Doroteo Navarro Donado, took over the winery and immediately implemented the necessary re-organization. Today Bodegas Navarro López is still entirely property of the family Navarro López. Don Doroteo, who was cultivating wine on a small piece of land in his sparetime 25 years ago. Together with his two sons, Don Doroteo can be proud today to have one of the most modern and most successful wineries in Valdepeñas.

The Vineyards
Pergolas is located in Valdepeñas, in the southern part of Castilla-La Mancha (southwest of Madrid), which is one of Spain’s oldest wine producing areas. Recent archeological digs have turned up proof of winemaking operations in the area as early as 700 BC. The harsh continental climate is perfect for growing all types of wild grape vines (which adapt quickly) and grow without the need for irrigation. The most famous grape in Spain is Tempranillo, locally known as Cencibel. There are also some plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as the white grape Macabeo, also known as Viura. The most common white variety is Airén. The grapes are hand harvested, picking only the best bunches.

The Wines

#S0EE32412
UPC code: 7 84585 00189 7
2001 Pergolas, Crianza, Old Vine Tempranillo 12/750ml
100% Cencibel (Tempranillo). Aged 6 months in 50% American, 50% French oak. Barrels are renewed every two years for Crianza; older barrels are saved for Reservas.
Ruby red color. Good concentration. Fruity aromas with a touch of vanilla. Full-bodied and round on the palate.

"This wine shows the sort of richness, ripeness and stuffing one might expect from a wine sourced from a hot climate, yet it also shows the complexity and sophistication one would expect only from a much more expensive wine made in a cooler region. Its dried cherry fruit is very appealing and nicely accented with notes of toast and wood smoke." 
- Michael Franz, The Washington Post
National Retail Price: $8.99 / bottle

#S0EE32413
UPC code: 7 84585 00364 8
1999 Pergolas, Gran Reserva 12/750ml
Aged 24 months in oak. 
Intense bright red color with brick tints. Wild berry fruit, spices. Balanced, ripe and good length

"Those who love the complexities of aged Rioja Reservas but don't love their prices will probably regard this wine as an extremely competitive substitute at an attractive price. Although it shows the telltale notes of dried cherries and vanilla that mark mature Spanish wines, there is also a lingering layer of primary fruit that lends an impression of purity and freshness."- Michael Franz, The Washington Post
National Retail Price: $14.99 / bottle