The 2021 Alfredo Maestro El Rey del Glam is a vibrant, low-intervention Garnacha that perfectly captures Alfredo Maestro’s reputation as one of Spain’s most exciting natural winemakers. Sourced from two very different vineyard areas — old-vine Garnacha grown on the granite soils of the Sierra de Gredos and mature vineyards around Peñafiel in Castilla y León — the wine is made using carbonic maceration, giving it an energetic, juicy and highly aromatic personality. True to Alfredo Maestro’s philosophy, the wine is produced organically with minimal intervention, allowing the fruit and vineyard character to shine without heavy manipulation.
The nose bursts with wild strawberry, raspberry and red cherry layered with cinnamon, anise, black pepper, violet and subtle earthy notes. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, vibrant and incredibly lively, with bright acidity, supple tannins and a juicy core of red berry fruit. Layers of cherry, raspberry, red licorice and spice unfold with freshness and energy, while the carbonic maceration adds a silky texture and lifted perfume. As the wine opens, it develops greater depth and savoury complexity, revealing hints of black fruit, herbs and mineral nuance beneath the fruit-driven surface.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2021 Alfredo Maestro El Rey del Glam is a brilliantly expressive Spanish Garnacha — fresh, energetic and packed with personality. It sits somewhere between serious natural wine and pure drinking pleasure, making it a fantastic choice for adventurous wine lovers and Grenache fans alike. Serve lightly chilled alongside charcuterie, grilled lamb, tapas, chorizo, roast pork or wood-fired pizza. Decanting for 20–30 minutes helps reveal its full complexity. Enjoy now for its youthful vibrancy or over the next 4–6 years.
