There are some 25 bodegas in the area in and around Ronda (Malaga).
I've lived in the City of the Tajo for 17 years and I've watched as Ronda wines have established themselves, improved and gained a reputation for quality. In addition new vines have been planted in soil that is very conducive to winemaking.
[Photo: Milamores Ronda]
Most of the Ronda bodegas have attained denominacion de origen status - equivalent to appellation controlee in France.
A personal view
I've visited most of the bodegas - in fact, I live a stone's throw from ten of them - and enjoy many of the wines they produce.
So, back to my question. Are they really any good?
I ask because I've just acquired a copy of a National Geographic "Special" devoted entirely to wine tourism in Spain, and Ronda wines do not feature.
This respected publication covers 20 wine-producing areas BUT NOT RONDA!
I enjoyed reading about these other wine-producing areas, and the photos are stunning, but I still don't understand why Ronda was omitted. Other decent wine-producing areas from Central Spain were also not covered.
[Front cover courtesy of El Correo del Vino]
Perhaps the bodegas have to pay to be included, and Ronda didn't want to "stump up"!
Epilogue
I like wine with food and I know a little bit about Spanish wine.
Ronda wines are good, but they are expensive and therefore not suitable for daily consumption (at least, not for an old age pensioner like me!)
I'll stick with my Ribera del Duero, Valdepeñas, Campo de Borja and Alboriño. All between 2 and 3 euros a bottle and perfectly drinkable.
[Image: VinosRibera.com]
© The Merry Tippler
Links:
Days of (Ronda) Wine… and Roses - Secret Serrania de Ronda
Kilómetro 26 - Help me, Ronda
Images:
El Correo del Vino, Milamores Ronda, VinosRibera.com,
Tags:
appellation controlee, bodega, City of the Tajo, denominacion de origen, El Correo del Vino, Malaga, Milamores Ronda, Ronda, VinosRibera.com, www.help-me-ronda.com, www.secretserrania.com