El Rincon De Nekeas - A Premier Chardonnay Experience

Producer and Region: A Symphony of Terroir and Tradition

El Rincón de Nekeas is the pride of Bodegas Nekeas, an exemplary winery located in the enchanting Nekeas Valley of Navarra, northern Spain. Nestled at the foothills of the Pyrenees, the valley benefits from a remarkable microclimate influenced by both Atlantic and Mediterranean elements. This perfect blend allows for cooler nights and warmer days, nurturing grapes that burst with flavor and aromatic depth.

Bodegas Nekeas is celebrated for marrying traditional viticultural methods with contemporary winemaking artistry, creating an exceptional range of wines. The Chardonnay-based wines, such as El Rincón de Nekeas, are particularly cherished for their balanced expression of freshness and richness.

Grape Variety: Pure Chardonnay Expression

Solely made from 100% Chardonnay, El Rincón de Nekeas taps into the essence of this versatile grape. Originally hailing from France, Chardonnay thrives spectacularly in Navarra’s geographical sweet spot, where the climatic conditions foster a unique bottling that highlights both the terroir and skilled winemaking techniques. The complement of mellow oak aging amplifies the natural fruitiness, delivering a balance between vivacity and complexity.

Winemaking Mastery

The crafted elegance of El Rincón de Nekeas stems from meticulous viticultural and winemaking practices. The vineyards, steeped in a terroir-rich mix of clay, limestone, and gravel, ensure optimal grape quality. The harvest peaks at perfect ripeness, striking the ideal balance between sugar, acidity, and aromatic compounds.

Post-harvest, a pre-fermentative skin maceration enhances aromatic depth, followed by a barrel fermentation in premium Allier oak barrels. The wine matures for 5 to 7 months on fine lees with regular bâtonnage, creating a beautifully integrated oak influence and a creamy texture.

Tasting Profile: A Dance of Freshness and Depth

Appearance: This wine radiates with a golden hue, alluding to its maturity and craftsmanship.

Aromas: A delightful bouquet unfolds, teeming with ripe apple, tropical nuances of pineapple, and a whisper of honeysuckle, enriched by subtle vanilla and buttery undertones from its barrel days.

Palate: Medium-bodied and lush, it’s harmonious with fresh acidity, a mark of Navarra’s cool ebb, offering tropical fruit flavors complemented by a velvety vanilla undertone.

Finish: The wine leaves an elegant, lingering impression with a vibrant, pure finish, a testimony to the seamless blend of fruit and oak.

Food Pairings and Versatility

The versatile nature of El Rincón de Nekeas makes it a superb companion for varied culinary explorations. Enjoy its refreshing acidity with dishes like oily fish or creamy vegetarian risotto, or let it elevate a classic roast chicken or turkey. Even rich, creamy cheeses find a kindred spirit in this wine.

Broader Impact and Sustainability

El Rincón de Nekeas doesn’t just dazzle with its palate but also stands as a hallmark of sustainable viticulture. Bodegas Nekeas adheres to a philosophy that respects the Nekeas Valley’s environment, fusing traditional methods with modern innovation.

A Testament to Spanish Chardonnay

As a flagship expression, El Rincón de Nekeas embodies the potential of Chardonnay in Navarra, competing with prestigious international counterparts while offering a distinctive Spanish charm. This bottle is not merely a taste experience; it is a narrative of tradition, elegance, and the relentless pursuit of quality within the Spanish wine scene.