Valencian terroirs & Xàtiva Castle/Borja legacy - Full day
In the past to speak of Valencian wine, was of large co-ops of “vino de granel” without stopping to consider it´s geological identity & terroir!
The Clariano, south of Valencia has the possibility to produce unique wines with singular mediterranean varieties experiencing a revolution within the “Golden Triangle” of Moixent, Fontanars dels Alforins & La Font de la Figuera. A select group of producers inc. Rafa Cambra, Cellar del Roure & recent arrivals like Clos de Lôm have transformed the wines of the region with focus on terroirs of margas, albarizo/clay soils and recovery of native grapes Arco, Forcallat, Mando, Rojal & Bonicaire. Whites like the rare Verdil, Malvasia, Macabeo compliment Viognier & Chardonney .The wines are often fermented in fudres and aged in clay/cement tinajas with whole berry producing more austere, paler, fragrant fine wines. Old bush vine Monastrell aka Mourvèdre is still one of the most important grapes, nowadays without the weight of Cab Sauv/Franc of the past … wines achieving 95+pts by Decanter. Restrained use of oak prevents overpowering terroir and varietal indentity in particular .
We visit the area known as “La Toscana” in the Vall d´Albaida, a hidden valley with gently rolling hills with historic masias amidst vines & almonds. The town of Fontanars has an ancestral art of winemaking dating before the Moors whose low number of estates produce distinctive outstanding wines with an emphasis on organic winemaking and following the path of Priorat in creating a sub denominación of DO Valencia .
I recently updated this page due to recent changes in wine styles and the return to local grapes with less use of French red varietals. Yes…syrah, petit verdot etc. still offer rich ambitious wines from some wineries but focus is definitely on terruño – “pueblo y parcela” .
Organic wines focused on local varieties offering unique flavours, transparency and a return to forgotten farming values.
This trip encounters local rare varieties from recovered vineyards , chateaux/masias amidst impressive pine clad ravines and walking in the footsteps of Gen. Hannibal & the Borja´s Xàtiva !
DO Valencia Winery visit
First upon arriving in the valley we stop at the tranquil Fontanares for a morning coffee & pastry, maybe try a carajillo.. flambé expresso with shot of brandy.
We visit Rafa Cambra or Cellar Del Roure , award winning wines with empasis on natural methods, organic/ biodynamic and features unique wines from recovered local varieties like Forcallat making an interesting tasting. Robert Parker has rated the wines highly . He will explain the history of the bodega & historic masia and their non-interventionist approach to winemaking. Walking through the vines you find out about varieties grown and their curious often low-tech techniques. We then visit winery; hand harvesting of the grapes; fermentation process; the art of ageing the wines in terracotta, latest new amphorae, large oak fudres & various oak barrel types.
The tasting is complimented with a wonderful selection of local produce either in the garden or in the old masia homestead ..depending on weather.
Crossing the countryside studded by palacial masias, sun flowers, almond & olive trees we follow the “Via Agusta” Roman road to Moixent & Xàtiva.
I also offer a second winery visit to Los Pinos or other vineyard , pls enquire if interested to make a 2 winery visit.
*Additional bonus tasting available of quality local wines at the Templar´s “Montesa Castle”….fotos on my Almansa tour page. Pls Enquire.
Historic city tour, palaces, the Borjas, museum´s & masia vineyard wine tastings
Xàtiva visit
Above Xàtiva run the ruins of a once grand castle of 30 towers. Home to General Hanibal in 218BC it remains an impressive fortification. Xàtiva, capital of the Costera district, is an elegant market town with wide tree lined avenues & shady cafes and for me has always been a place I loved to visit..life feels great here! The old walled town still retains an “old world charm” with its many pretty squares, fountains, churches and cobbled streets. Hailing two Popes & the Borja history, Xàtiva has played a significant role in the history of the church.
It was declared Historico-Artistico ensemble in 1982 due to the wealth of historic buildings & emblematic monuments….very impressive .
The most notable include; the Castle with its 30 towers & 4 gates, Collegiate de Santa Maria XIV- former cathedral rebuilt in renaissance style, the Hospital Mayor De Pobres XV-XVI, Ermitas de San Felix XIII, San José XVIII & Santa Ana XVI, the church of San Pedro XVII & San Francisco XIV, Gothic Fountain de Plaza de la Trinidad, La Puerta Gótica de los Trinitarios XIII, house of Pope Alejandro XVI & numerous palaces of noblemen.
On our visit to Xàtiva you have a chance to explore the old town, walking the historic streets before a well deserved lunch. Walking is not compulsory folks ..it´s your call!
Lunch- We have a table reserved in a “award winning“ restaurant in Xàtiva where you will be welcomed by chef.
Creative mediterranean cuisine accompanied with a select DO Valencia Wine .
Relax with a coffee or brandy afterwards before the Castle visit.
We then make our way up to the castle, but don´t worry about the hundreds of steps, as we drive to the main gate via a winding road. You can explore the castle and admire the 360 degree valley views. A charming café also serves refreshments on the terrace of the castle.
We then finally return arriving in Valencia city 1830hrs- 1900hrs earlier on request.
Prices
Itinerary
- Pickup hotel in Valencia City 08:45hrs.
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Morning Coffee, guided vineyard visit with tasting of 5-6 unique dry organic wines plus maridaje.
Second Winery optional visit 5-6 wines dry organic wines . - Cathedral interior possible subject to timings... please ask if interested.
- Panoramic vineyard drive to Xàtiva with Opt. wine tasting local DO wines at Templar´s "Montesa Castle" al fresco!
- Xàtiva medieval city walk, 4 cse Gourmet Lunch/DO Valencia wine 90+pts, liquer at award winning restaurant.
- Museum visits, Xàtiva Castle visit. Extra Optional tasting al fresco at Montesa Castle .
- Return arrival in Valencia city approx. 1830hrs or earlier on request.
DURATION: Full day 8-9hrs
Please ask for availability & tour options/prices as can be tailor made for you.