The Winery
RECOVERING THE HISTORY OF OUR GRAPES AND THE ANDALUSIAN LANDSCAPE
The La Melonera project stems from a commitment to the recovery and dissemination of Andalusia’s unique heritage, located in the exceptional setting of the Serranía de Ronda.
Launched in 2003, this viticultural project stems from the conviction that the region possesses unique conditions for producing singular wines, both for its varietal richness and its altitude, climate, and landscape.
Its name pays homage to the Melonera grape, an indigenous variety that was on the verge of disappearing after the phylloxera epidemic of the 19th century. Our project began with the research and recovery of these historic varieties, but over time it has evolved into a broader effort: to protect and revitalize all indigenous grapes of the region, integrating tradition, research, innovation, and sustainability.
The winery specializes in the recovery of Andalusian varieties that were practically extinct after phylloxera, returning them to cultivation and the market after more than 150 years of absence.
RESCUING A LEGACY
The Melonera grape, described in 1807 by botanist Simón de Rojas Clemente, virtually disappeared from Andalusian vineyards after phylloxera. Its recovery was not only a technical challenge but also an act of preserving history, identity, and biodiversity. Each recovered vine represents a fragment of the heritage of a territory that we aim to re-establish.
In 2003, we began the search for its last wild vines, traveling through Málaga and Granada and reviewing historical references. We located five original vines, which we reproduced and protected to return them to cultivation. This achievement marked the beginning of a project with a deeper scope, dedicated to preserving the viticultural wealth of the Ronda region, with over 3,000 years of history.
In addition to the Melonera grape, we have also directly recovered historic varieties such as Tintilla and Romé, grapes almost vanished from Andalusian vineyards, adapted to Ronda’s microclimate and capable of authentically expressing the nuances of the Mediterranean terroir.
Building on this recovery work, we expanded our commitment to Andalusian viticultural heritage by cultivating and promoting other historic red varieties such as Blasco and Corchero Tinta, as well as traditional vines that are part of the regional legacy.
THE SERRANA DEHESA: LANDSCAPE AND SUSTAINABILITY
The estate spans approximately 200 hectares with altitudes between 650 and 940 meters. The combination of abundant rainfall, daily temperature fluctuations of up to 20°C, humid Atlantic winds, and the presence of holm oaks and dehesa create an exceptional microclimate for vines.
The project integrates viticultural excellence, respect for tradition, and territorial conservation through the following principles:
Reclaiming Andalusian Viticultural Heritage
Recovery of historic varieties, selecting and propagating original vines that preserve their history and genetic characteristics.
Enhancing the Territory’s Natural Heritage
Direct integration with iconic elements of the landscape and history, such as holm oaks and native fauna of the mountain range, including the Payoya goat and the Salinete, along with the recovery of cultural heritage, represented by the romantic travelers’ route.
Ecological Sustainability
The vine integrates naturally with the holm oak without altering the ecosystem, taking advantage of its shade and the microclimate it generates. This promotes thermal regulation, protects against pests, and reduces the need for treatments. This complementarity, reinforced by traditional practices such as pruning, thinning, and vegetation cover management, allows for the preservation of the dehesa and enhances the acidity, character, and final quality of the wines.
RECOVERING THE HISTORY OF OUR GRAPES AND THE ANDALUSIAN LANDSCAPE
The La Melonera project stems from a commitment to the recovery and dissemination of Andalusia’s unique heritage, located in the exceptional setting of the Serranía de Ronda.
Launched in 2003, this viticultural project stems from the conviction that the region possesses unique conditions for producing singular wines, both for its varietal richness and its altitude, climate, and landscape.
Its name pays homage to the Melonera grape, an indigenous variety that was on the verge of disappearing after the phylloxera epidemic of the 19th century. Our project began with the research and recovery of these historic varieties, but over time it has evolved into a broader effort: to protect and revitalize all indigenous grapes of the region, integrating tradition, research, innovation, and sustainability.
The winery specializes in the recovery of Andalusian varieties that were practically extinct after phylloxera, returning them to cultivation and the market after more than 150 years of absence.
RESCUING A LEGACY
The Melonera grape, described in 1807 by botanist Simón de Rojas Clemente, virtually disappeared from Andalusian vineyards after phylloxera. Its recovery was not only a technical challenge but also an act of preserving history, identity, and biodiversity. Each recovered vine represents a fragment of the heritage of a territory that we aim to re-establish.
In 2003, we began the search for its last wild vines, traveling through Málaga and Granada and reviewing historical references. We located five original vines, which we reproduced and protected to return them to cultivation. This achievement marked the beginning of a project with a deeper scope, dedicated to preserving the viticultural wealth of the Ronda region, with over 3,000 years of history.
In addition to the Melonera grape, we have also directly recovered historic varieties such as Tintilla and Romé, grapes almost vanished from Andalusian vineyards, adapted to Ronda’s microclimate and capable of authentically expressing the nuances of the Mediterranean terroir.
Building on this recovery work, we expanded our commitment to Andalusian viticultural heritage by cultivating and promoting other historic red varieties such as Blasco and Corchero Tinta, as well as traditional vines that are part of the regional legacy.
THE SERRANA DEHESA: LANDSCAPE AND SUSTAINABILITY
The estate spans approximately 200 hectares with altitudes between 650 and 940 meters. The combination of abundant rainfall, daily temperature fluctuations of up to 20°C, humid Atlantic winds, and the presence of holm oaks and dehesa create an exceptional microclimate for vines.
The project integrates viticultural excellence, respect for tradition, and territorial conservation through the following principles:
Reclaiming Andalusian Viticultural Heritage
Recovery of historic varieties, selecting and propagating original vines that preserve their history and genetic characteristics.
Enhancing the Territory’s Natural Heritage
Direct integration with iconic elements of the landscape and history, such as holm oaks and native fauna of the mountain range, including the Payoya goat and the Salinete, along with the recovery of cultural heritage, represented by the romantic travelers’ route.
Ecological Sustainability
The vine integrates naturally with the holm oak without altering the ecosystem, taking advantage of its shade and the microclimate it generates. This promotes thermal regulation, protects against pests, and reduces the need for treatments. This complementarity, reinforced by traditional practices such as pruning, thinning, and vegetation cover management, allows for the preservation of the dehesa and enhances the acidity, character, and final quality of the wines.
WINES WITH CHARACTER THAT REFLECT HISTORY AND TERROIR
Each bottle conveys the richness of our indigenous grapes and reflects the identity of the land and its history.
La Melonera was born from the collaboration between viticulturists, enologists, and specialized technicians who deeply value the environment. Every decision, from pruning to aging, respects the identity of the grape in its territory. We identify the last wild vines, propagate them, and establish vineyards always adapted to the topography and soil diversity.
La Melonera wines are single-varietal indigenous wines that reflect the identity of the terroir and Andalusian viticultural history.
Our wine “Yo Solo” is the tangible reflection of this effort: a blend of recovered varieties, made with indigenous yeasts and aged 12 months in barrels. Its first edition, limited to 360 bottles, symbolizes the exclusivity, patience, and care of a project that brought a nearly lost grape back to life.
Each wine seeks to purely express the character of its variety, altitude, soil, and landscape, resulting in creations of distinct personality and deep territorial identity.
WINES WITH CHARACTER THAT REFLECT HISTORY AND TERROIR
Each bottle conveys the richness of our native grapes and reflects the identity of the land and its history. La Melonera was born from the collaboration between viticulturists, winemakers, and specialized technicians who deeply value the environment. Every decision, from pruning to aging, respects the identity of the grape in its territory. We identified the last wild vines, reproduced them, and established vineyards always adapted to the topography and diversity of soils. La Melonera’s wines are native monovarietals and reflect the identity of the terroir and Andalusian viticultural history.
Our wine “Yo Solo” is the tangible reflection of this effort: a coupage of recovered varieties, made with native yeasts and aged 12 months in barrel. Its first edition, limited to 360 bottles, symbolizes the exclusivity, patience, and care of a project that brought back to life a nearly lost grape. Each wine seeks to purely express the character of its variety, altitude, soil, and landscape, resulting in creations of distinct personality and deep territorial identity.