An agronomist by training, Alejandro Moyano worked as managing director at Abadía Retuerta between 1992 and 1997, just when this legendary property in Castilla y León restored its wine growing roots under the ownership of Sandoz. After merging with Ciba-Geigy, which gave rise to Novartis, Moyano continued working in the seed sector in other locations, but as he didn't want to distance himself from the wine business, he bought a nine-hectare property not far away, in Quintanilla de Arriba, in the heart of Ribera del Duero's so-called Golden Mile, alongside prominent neighbours like Vega Sicilia or Finca Villacreces.
In 1998 he began planting vines which currently extend over seven hectares and soon joined forces with two other partners to establish Lynus, a winery that made its debut in the 2000 vintage. His commitment to organic farming prompted him to venture further and in 2012 he set up on his own. Moyano called it Valdemonjas, a name that was insired on Val de las Monjas, which was the term that appeared on some maps to identify the property.
Working on his own enabled him to pursue his ideas and interpret the nuances of the site with a variety of wines and blends. Valdemonjas is planted entirely to Tempranillo. It lies at 700 to 750 metres on a north-facing slope with varying degrees of sun exposure and a remarkable diversity of soils, from clay to limestone, as well as marl and white clay. There are nine different sectors, which are harvested and fermented individually and are named after the different parts of a theatre (box, balcony, stalls...) as a nod to Alejandro's wife who is a violinist. The vineyard is certified organic since 2012.
As it is common with other wineries in the Valladolid province, Valdemonjas also sources grapes from Burgos. They own a south-facing vineyard in La Horra planted at 800 metres above sea level on sand and clay underneath. Called Nogal de la Valera, it covers less than one hectare and was planted in the 1920s-1930s. Other recent acquisitions include a hectare of old vines spread over three small plots in Quintana del Pidio and another one in Fuentelcésped.
The small, cosy bodega can handle 70,000 kg of grapes. Sustainability is a priority at Valdemonjas. They are 90-95% self-sufficient on solar energy and around 40-45% on water, thanks to the sloped roof that allows to collect rainwater. With its vaulted structure and the use of traditional materials, temperature and humidity are preserved in the ageing cellar without the need of climatisation.
The range of wines starts with El Primer Beso (the first kiss, €11.25, 21,200 bottles), a fresh, easy-drinking red that can be served chilled. It is fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged for a brief time in concrete tanks. More interesting is El Patio de Valdemonjas, a Tempranillo with no added sulfites that is fermented and aged in concrete tanks. It is made in tiny amounts and it was only bottled in magnum until the 2021 vintage (€39.95). It displays pure, ripe fruit without losing freshness and is really original, with a lovely young, energetic edge. Grapes are sourced from the lower, sun-drenched plots featuring deeper soils.
Oak comes into play in Entre Palabras (€20, 6,000 bottles, 14 months in oak barrels). Grapes are sourced from the central part of the property where sun-drenched and shaded plots coexist. Les Tres Dones (under 4,000 bottles, €34, 15 months in barrels) is a blend of the coldest plots with clay soils with around 20% of grapes from La Horra. This results in a finely textured red which retains all its freshness despite its full body. Made exclusively with grapes from La Horra, Abrí las Alas (opening wings, €99, between one and three barrels) is the house’s top red. Powerful and firm, it is arguably one of the freshest expressions in this renowned village. Incidentally, the label is very different to the standard in the area.
Italian oenologist Luca D'Attoma is the estate’s winemaking advisor, while Jesús Yuste, a leading professional in Castilla y León, consults on viticulture. Second-generation Alexis Moyano, who has been fully involved in the winery for some years now, assures the project's continuity. The bodega welcomes visitors.
