BODEGAS NEKEAS

In 1990, eight families joined forces, setting out to honour and elevate 2000 years of winemaking heritage in the Valley of Nekeas, Navarra – one of Spain’s coolest and most distinguished viticultural zones. From the very beginning, the talented Concha Vecino was entrusted with leading the project, a role she continues to fulfill with passion and precision. Under her guidance, Nekeas has crafted a beautiful portfolio of elegant, expressive wines that consistently overdeliver for their modest price – arguably offering some of the best value in all of Spain.

One standout is their exceptional Chardonnay, which clearly sets them apart from their peers. Even more remarkable is the valley’s unique genetic heritage of Garnacha. Nekeas has undertaken a careful massal selection of this material, grafting it onto young vines to ensure its preservation. This distinct red Garnacha, with its loose clusters and small, concentrated berries, thrives in the valley’s cool climate – flourishing at altitudes of up to 550 meters. 'Cepa por Cepa' is the young vine expression, while 'El Chaparral' showcases fruit from the original bush vines, some of which are over 130 years old. Both wines reveal the singular personality of this Atlantic-influenced Garnacha – wines that are as distinctive as they are deeply rooted in place.

The Nekeas Valley is profoundly influenced by the nearby Pyrenees, just 30 kilometers away, and the Atlantic Ocean, 70 kilometers to the northwest. Their vineyards span five kilometres along the length of the valley – a corridor of steep slopes, diverse soils, and a patchwork of microclimates. Elevations range from 450 meters on the valley floor to 650 meters on the hillsides, where rainfall increases by as much as 250 mm annually. These conditions foster slow ripening and high natural acidity, lending the wines freshness and finesse that distinguish them from the riper, Rioja Oriental-style wines of southern Navarra.