Bodegas Nekeas lies in the Valley of the Stars in Navarra, a micro region in one of the coolest corners of Spain. Blessed for viticulture, the valley’s vineyards lie at up to 700m and are heavily influenced by the Pyrenees mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Here famed enologist Concha Vecino produces some of Spain’s finest Chardonnay.

'Cabeza'

Equal parts Viura and Chardonnay from the south facing Larransus, Rabilletas and Rosabala vineyards. These sites range from 450 - 650 metres above sea level and the average vine age is 24 years (2025). The two varieties are vinified separately with ambient yeasts and about 10 hours cold maceration. This is an exemplary Spanish white with freshness and depth that way over delivers for the price.  

'El Rincón'

From two vineyards – Berezábal & Odaiza – covering 6 hectares at 700 metres above sea level with a southern aspect. These sites experience huge diurnal temperature fluctuation, ideal for freshness, complexity and acidity in the wine. The juice spends 10 hours macerating with skins before spontaneous fermentation in barrel and 3 months further oak ageing. Periodic bâtonnage adds texture and density.

Stylistically the wine sits in a medium weight bracket with high quality oak wrapping. The whole package is dynamic, layered and refreshing with plentiful natural acidity giving trademark verve and tension.

‘Cuvee Allier’ 

In production since 1995, Concha’s premium Chardonnay comes from Maietas, a 3.3-hectare vineyard of 35-year-old vines. The southeast-facing site sits at 600m on poor, pebbly red-clay soils. 12 hours of pre-fermentation skin contact is allowed before spontaneous fermentation in new French Allier oak casks. The wine ages in barrel for 5–7 months and undergoes full malolactic conversion. 12,000 bottles are produced.

Bodegas Nekeas’ flagship Chardonnay, Allier, is a statuesque Spanish white layered with barrel spice, toasted nuts, and fruit spanning citrus to fresh tropical notes. High altitude and a cool climate allow for long, slow ripening, yielding both complexity and marked natural acidity. The Valley of the Stars is undeniably one of Spain’s finest sites for sophisticated Chardonnay. It’s always a pleasure slipping this into a lineup beside far more expensive examples – and watching the reactions. Exceptional value.

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