The Generoso, started in 1918 and still relevant!

Wines that have existed for over 100 years and are still full-bodied are probably only available in Spain. The most famous of these so-called “Generosos” (fortified wines) come from the Sherry region (Jerez de la Frontera). The Ruiz family, however, hails from the Condado de Huelva wine region, located in Andalusia near the Portuguese border, and produces such wines from the local Zalema grape variety. The Contreras Ruiz 1918 Antonio Contreras Labrador is one such example! What an honor to drink this!

This 1918, an oxidatively matured wine that has now matured for about 100 years (!!) in a small hall in large oak barrels, and working with the solera system is the ‘madre’ from 1918 so quite old by now ….the wine is bottled as “1918”, thereby indicating the long family tradition and what they started with. The result is a wine from bygone times, yet still suitable for modern gastronomy. Aromas of mature notes, wet wood, roasted coffee, figs, nutty aromas such as almonds in particular, hints of whiskey and apricot jam. It resembles a woody Oloroso-sherry, but tastes particularly fresh on the palate, well-structured with an incredibly long finish. The 1918 is very suitable as a strong aperitif or as a beautiful dessert wine, complementing chocolate variations, pastries and—for the Dutch—especially almond paste, filled speculaas, marzipan... a delicious combination!

The Contreras Ruiz 1918 Antonio Contreras Labrador is a Perswijn award winner with an Honourable Mention in the fortified wines category!

Contreras Ruiz Winery

Contreras Ruiz is a family business in the province of Huelva. The vineyards are situated on slopes between Doñana National Park and the Atlantic Ocean; both have a positive influence on the vineyards, and both are visible from the fields. The origins of the family bodega date back to the beginning of the nineteenth century. Many of the techniques have changed, but respect for the vineyard and for every bunch of grapes has remained the same. In recent years, they have converted a significant portion of their vineyards to organic viticulture. The winemaker is José Joaquín Contreras.

Zalema grape, wine in various styles

They make white wines from the indigenous Zalema grape, formerly used primarily for wine types such as this Generoso, but increasingly they are also producing beautiful fruity dry ‘regular’ white wines, varying in style, without (Viña Barredero) or with oak aging (Libero); they even make a “cava” from it, the delicious Espumoso Lumé, a dessert wine Kala, and of course Contreras Ruiz 1918 Antonio Contreras Labrador 1918!