Bodegas Alvear winery
"Alvear is synonymous with Montilla-Moriles."
The Alvear family
Bodegas Alvear has been producing wines from the vineyards of the Andalusian region of Montilla-Moriles for more than 300 years.
Montilla-Moriles is probably one of the best-kept secrets of Spanish viticulture to this day. And the Alvears are something like the kings of this appellation. Montilla-Moriles, named after the two villages of the same name, is located in the south of the province of Córdoba and borders the Jérez sherry region. While the Palomino grape dominates in Jérez, it is the Pedro Ximénez in Montilla-Moriles. As in Jérez, fino, amontillado, oloroso and palo cortado are also produced in Montilla-Moriles using the solera method. As Pedro Ximénez contains more alcohol than its brother Palomino, the wines do not usually need to be fortified with alcohol, unlike sherry.
The Alvear family has been based in Montilla-Moriles since the beginning of the 18th century. The dynasty was founded by Diego de Alvear y Escalera. Over time, Diego acquired large estates in the region and became one of the most important landowners in Montilla. From the end of the 18th century, exports to England began and the bodegas continued to expand.
The current generation of the Alvear family is large; more than 50 members own the company, some of whom are also involved in the management. Alvear is one of the best-known wineries in Andalusia. Successful today are dry, fresh wines such as the 3 Miradas, wines from the Solera, which has existed since 1910, as well as Brandy Gan Reservas.
photos: Bodegas Alvear
