Viticola Mentridana
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Dani Landi founded his own label to focus on ancient, high-elevation vineyards of the Sierra de Gredos and continued his profound work with Comando G. His friend Curro Barreño was native to the area and took over for Dani in 2021, renaming his project as Vitícola Mentridana, devoted to carrying on Dani's foundation of crafting old-vine, elegant wines that redefine Spain's wine landscape.
To understand Viticola Mentridana, it is crucial to understand the land where the vine is rooted. Sierra de Gredos is an area of rugged granite peaks, forests, and hilltop towns just a few hours southwest of Madrid. The fusion of high altitude, free-draining granitic soils, and a long growing season expanded by elevation gives the area a unique micro-climate. The hillside slopes are steep, and the vines cling to them like mountain goats. As striking as this imagery may be, it is unfortunate that many of these sites were abandoned decades ago as producers moved on to "greener," more fertile pastures.
But not too long ago, a new generation of winemakers arrived in this inhospitable terrain, discovering ancient vines and understanding their incredible potential for quality. Amongst these pioneer vignerons was Daniel Landi, who harvested old vines to produce elegant, mineral wines from old vine Grenache. Through his efforts with Comando G as well as his eponymous label, Daniel took great strides in re-defining the workhorse Garnacha wine, from a daily simple fruity beverage consumed by the nearby Madrileños into a product of great depth, complexity, and global appeal.
In 2021, Dani shifted his focus to Comando G Viticultores, a project he started with a college friend, Fernando Garcia. The reins of his property have been passed to childhood friend and exceptional vigneron Curro Barreño. Though gaining his reputation in Ribeira Sacra with Fedellos, Curro is a Gredos native and is exceptionally familiar with the region and its unique terroirs. The change of guard presents a new, exciting opportunity to see the newly labeled Viticola Mentridana grow on the foundation of Dani Landi's accomplishments yet develop its character and identity.
