Food & Drink Awards 2020

Page 22 www.lux-review.com LUX 2020 Food & Drink Awards Nestled at the foot of the Sierra de Algairén, surrounded by 350 hectares of bountiful vineyards, is the Bodegas Esteban Martin, a family-run winery owned by a pioneer in environmental sustainability, PDO Cariñena. Established in 2003, Esteban Martin has earned international acclaim for its comprehensive selection of sustainable wines that encapsulate the very essence of the land it has been grown in. With 30% of its land allocated to organic vineyards, the pioneering use of ecological treatments such as pheromones and ozone spraying on 40% of the land and, as of some years ago, a vegan certification on all wines, Esteban Martin is working hard to ensure its environmental impact is as minimised as possible. The winery pays great respect to the relationship between humanity and nature and each bottle of wine is the culmination of man’s undamaging work in perfectly preserving the characteristics of the terroir. The earthy mineral and balsamic notes in each wine emulate the plants that have been nourished through a blend of traditional and innovative growing and harvesting methods, that have been employed and evolved since EstebanMartin began. Technology and a devout appreciation of nature come together to create exquisite wines that winemaker and oenologist, Jorge Barberia, says require only conscientious care in the initial stages in the vineyard, from which point nature can take over. Jorge, who has been crafting wines around the world for a decade, favours the wines of the Bodegas Esteban Martin is establishing its place on the worldwide wine scene, carving out its niche as a producer of unparalleled Spanish wine that prioritises sustainability. Operating from a vast vineyard situated at the foot of the Iberian Mountain Range which is exposed to the ‘Cierzo’, a cold dry wind that causes extreme temperature shifts, Esteban Martin produces wines that are unmatched in their distinctive flavour by any other winery in the world. As sustainability continues to play an increasing role in the effects of global consumer habits, Esteban Martin is ready to answer the demands with its exquisite selection agrarian wines. Sep20234 Bodegas Esteban Martin, S.L. Most Sustainable Winery - Spain region near Valle del Ebro, that are uniquely distinct owing to the climate and soils that produce the grapes. Fresh, fruity, well-balanced on the palate with smooth and silky tannins, Jorge describes Esteban Martin’s offering as ‘wines that speak’, proudly declaring themselves the result of a cohesion of passion, terroir and personality. It is only through a mixture of modernity, know-how and a lot of love that such exceptional wines can be produced. Today, the winery boasts more than 400 oak barrels and an IFS certification that has opened doors for Esteban Martin all over the world, which has now established a presence in over thirty-five countries across Europe, the Americas and beyond. Approximately 3.5 million bottles, which makes up 90% of Esteban Martin’s total production, is distributed worldwide each year, even despite the significant challenges that are currently facing the winery and wine industry as a whole. Already faced with the prospects of Brexit and 25% US tariffs on wine imports, the wine industry certainly did not need the additional pressures of the Covid-19 outbreak. As the Spanish wine industry relies heavily on international exports, the increasing competition within the global market presents a worrying scenario, that the marginal growth of home consumption is doing little to combat. Esteban Martin has recognised the importance of diversifying its markets and, as a family company, considering and strategizing for the long-term. Working from home may have impeded this plan for now, but the winery is effectively making the necessary digital transformation and despite some minor logistical issues, the resilient winery is managing to avoid any significant detriment caused by lockdown. It is principally thanks to the shared vision of the Esteban Martin family that the winery is able to push through periods of uncertainty. A supportive environment of respect, diversity, creativity and teamwork, the Bodegas Esteban Martin company values the individuality of each of its employees, just as it values the individuality of each bottle of wine they produce. The spirit of the Esteban Martin family shines through their work, as demonstrated by the precise attention to details, the professional and respectful approach to customer service and the curiosity about wine and innovation in treatments. The latter means that Esteban Martin is able to continue pushing the boundaries of wine production every day, constantly exploring new methodologies and how they can be incorporated into the winery’s process. Currently, Esteban Martin is investing its research into more eco-friendly treatments, learning about autochthonous varieties and analysing potential evolutions. The result, they hope, is a sustainable future of producing wines that prioritise the care of our planet. Contact: Eva Roy Company: Bodegas Esteban Martin, S.L. Web Address: www.estebanmartin.com