Conrad

Ronda is one of the fastest growing wine areas in Spain and it is only 45 minutes away from the coast. Besides being an area of outstanding natural beauty it has the advantage of being at an altitude that allows a cool period at nighttime even if the temperatures during the day are high. This difference in temperatures is ideal for growing good quality grapes.

One of the more established bodegas in Ronda and in my opinion, the best, is Coto San Jacinto run by Theo Conrad who is Swiss.

Theo has exacting standards and is obsessive about the hundred small yet important details that go in making excellent wine. He is committed to making wine as naturally as possible and takes particular care in the vineyard.

His wines are various blends that are all beautifully balanced between fruit and wood. He says that his ultimate wine is Chateau Margaux which explains the high level of winemaking that he is attempting to achieve.

Ronda wines have a reputation for being premium priced but Conrad’s El Niño Leon is a superb introduction to the area and the bodega’s potential at a very reasonable price.