Discover the Art of Garnacha with Comando G

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Discover Comando G, a Spanish winery revitalizing Garnacha wines and the Gredos region, blending tradition with modern techniques for exceptional flavors.

The Evolution of Garnacha: Comando G’s Impact on Spanish Wine

Comando G, founded by Daniel Gómez Jiménez-Landi and Fernando García in 2008, represents a renaissance for Garnacha wines and the Gredos region. Their motto, "The things you love are the things you invest time in," encapsulates their commitment to reviving a forgotten viticultural heritage. In an era where many traditional vineyards faced abandonment, these two winemakers sought to restore appreciation for local grape varieties and showcase the unique terroir of Gredos.

From humble beginnings, Comando G emerged as a response to the socio-economic challenges that plagued the Garnacha grape. Historically undervalued, local growers were often left feeling ashamed of their produce due to low compensation and lack of recognition. Landi’s childhood experiences in Méntrida highlighted this issue, as he observed how little respect was afforded to Garnacha. This motivated him and García to embark on a journey that would not only rejuvenate old vineyards but also foster a newfound appreciation for Spanish wine culture.

A Journey Back to Roots

Landi and García’s journey began during their studies at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, where they bonded over shared passions for music and winemaking. Their travels across Europe, particularly through Burgundy, transformed their understanding of wine as more than just a beverage—it became a representation of landscape and identity. This revelation drove them back to the old Garnacha vines in Gredos, where they recognized an obligation to nurture both the land and its traditions.

The duo approached their project pragmatically; initially treating it as a side venture while managing other wineries. This phase allowed them to deepen their knowledge of Garnacha and fine-tune their philosophy about terroir-based winemaking. They spent countless afternoons exploring old vineyards in search of untapped potential, ultimately shaping their vision for producing wines that convey a true sense of place.

Overcoming Skepticism

When Comando G released its first wines, skepticism was rampant within Spain’s wine community. Critics were quick to dismiss their light-bodied styles as inferior—often labeling them “too pale” or “not red enough.” However, abroad, these wines garnered surprise and excitement from international audiences eager for something different from Spain’s traditionally robust offerings.

Despite initial challenges, Comando G has carved out a significant reputation both domestically and internationally. Their wines are now sought after by collectors and listed alongside prestigious brands at top restaurants worldwide. By 2021, Landi and García could fully dedicate themselves to Comando G, supported by a team committed to meticulous vineyard practices that honor both organic farming principles and traditional techniques.

The Wines of Comando G: A Burgundian Pyramid

Comando G’s wine range is structured similarly to Burgundy’s classification system, starting with La Bruja, their entry-level offering that showcases the potential of Spanish Garnacha. Released in 2008 as La Bruja Avería before evolving into La Bruja de Rozas, this wine challenged preconceived notions about Spanish reds by delivering finesse instead of concentration.

As one ascends the pyramid of offerings from Comando G, three village wines—Villanueva, Navatalgordo, Rozas—lead up to exceptional single-parcel selections like El Tamboril, Las Iruelas, and Rumbo al Norte. Winemaking across this spectrum emphasizes minimal intervention; natural yeast ferments occur in open vats with infusion-like macerations designed to extract subtle flavors rather than overpowering tannins.

All wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfites added—an approach Landi describes succinctly as "Roca y aire," which translates to "stone and air." This philosophy reflects their commitment to conveying minerality alongside lightness and complexity.

Fostering Community in Wine

Beyond crafting remarkable wines, Comando G has played an instrumental role in fostering community among winemakers within Spain—and beyond. Their annual Fiesta de la Floración served as an informal gathering point for producers who share similar values around quality winemaking. These events facilitated invaluable exchanges among peers while showcasing epic wines from various regions.

This collaborative spirit has been essential for revitalizing interest in Garnacha both locally and globally. Thanks in part to Comando G’s influence alongside other dedicated producers in Gredos, the region has established itself as synonymous with modern fine wines showcasing some of Spain’s best Garnachas.

Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Passion

As Comando G continues its journey into the future—with plans for new projects focusing on regenerative agriculture—the legacy created by Daniel Gómez Jiménez-Landi and Fernando García stands firm within the landscape of Spanish wine. They embody the passionate commitment needed not only for crafting exceptional wines but also nurturing a renewed confidence among local producers.

With this dedication towards elevating regional identity through sustainable practices coupled with artisanal craftsmanship, it becomes clear why Comando G is regarded not just as a winery but as part of a larger movement—a beacon illuminating paths back toward lost traditions while forging new ones in modern oenology.

FAQ

What is Comando G known for?

Comando G is renowned for its high-quality Garnacha wines produced from old vines in the Gredos region of Spain.

Who founded Comando G?

The winery was founded by Daniel Gómez Jiménez-Landi and Fernando García in 2008.

How does Comando G approach winemaking?

They emphasize minimal intervention techniques including natural fermentation processes without filtration or fining while using organic farming methods.

What makes Garnacha special at Comando G?

Garnacha is celebrated here for its ability to express terroir with finesse rather than concentration—a refreshing take compared to traditional Spanish reds.

Are there plans for expansion at Comando G?

While they focus on maintaining quality over quantity, they have recently inaugurated new facilities aimed at enhancing regenerative agricultural practices without compromising craftsmanship.

Photo by Weiji Zheng on Unsplash