Molino Real | Málaga

In 1995, Telmo Rodríguez and his business partner Pablo Eguzkia established Molino Real in Málaga with a view to reviving the region’s ‘Mountain Wine’. This naturally sweet style once stood shoulder to shoulder with the great sweet wines of Tokaji, Sauternes and Germany. It was historically made from Moscatel grapes (also known as Muscat of Alexandria), grown in the canyons around Málaga and sun-dried before fermentation. The resulting ‘Mountain Wines’ were decadent and rich, producing fine, age-worthy expressions. As trends changed, these wines fell out of fashion and the wine-growing traditions of Málaga faded into near obscurity. That is, until the 90s when Telmo and Pablo began seeking out the lost regions of Spain. Remembering how Hugh Johnson once said that old ‘Mountain Wine’ was the best wine he’d ever had, the duo were inspired.

For over 20 years, the Molino Real project has produced these traditional sweet wines from the ravines of Cómpeta in Axarquía. An hour's drive from the city of Málaga, here Telmo and Pablo have nine hectares of Moscatel vines planted on dark schist and green slate soils, between 350 and 1,000 metres above sea level. The estate fruit is further supplemented by local, like-minded growers.