Comando G
Summary
Comando G is a small-scale partnership founded in 2008 that focuses exclusively on high-altitude, old-vine Garnacha from Sierra de Gredos' granite soils near Madrid, where elevations of 600-1,200 meters create wines of distinctive freshness and precision. Their minimal-intervention approach includes organic farming with draft horses, native yeast fermentations in open-top wooden vats, whole-cluster inclusion, and gentle extraction methods that showcase each vineyard's unique character through separate vinification of hand-harvested fruit.
Heritage & Leadership
Comando G was established in 2008 by three friends and winemakers: Daniel Gómez Jiménez-Landi and Fernando García, who were later joined by Marc Isart (who has since departed the project). The name "Comando G" reflects both their shared passion for old Japanese cartoons and their mission to rescue forgotten vineyards in the Sierra de Gredos mountains near Madrid. Daniel brought experience from his family's estate in Méntrida, while Fernando had worked at Bodega Marañones. Their partnership began with a shared vision to highlight the distinctive character of high-altitude Garnacha grown on granite soils in this historically overlooked region.
From their modest beginnings with a small rented space and minimal equipment, Comando G has evolved into one of the most significant voices for the Sierra de Gredos terroir. Their work has been instrumental in bringing attention to this once-obscure winegrowing area, demonstrating how the combination of old vines, high elevation, and granite soils can produce Garnacha of remarkable finesse and precision.
Vineyards & Wines
Comando G works with small parcels of old-vine Garnacha scattered throughout the Sierra de Gredos mountain range, located approximately 80 kilometers west of Madrid. Their vineyards sit at elevations between 600 and 1,200 meters above sea level, where the continental climate is moderated by altitude, creating significant diurnal temperature variations that contribute to the wines' freshness and aromatic complexity.
The cornerstone of their production is the distinctive granite soil that dominates the region, providing excellent drainage and imparting a characteristic mineral tension to the wines. Their most prized vineyards include Las Umbrías, a north-facing plot at 1,000 meters elevation with 60-year-old vines, and Tumba del Rey Moro, a south-facing amphitheater of 60-80 year old vines at similar elevation. Both sites produce single-vineyard wines that express their specific terroirs.
Their portfolio is structured in tiers, beginning with La Bruja de Rozas, sourced from multiple vineyards around the village of Las Rozas de Puerto Real, followed by the more site-specific Rozas 1er Cru, and culminating in their single-vineyard expressions. Each bottling reflects the subtle variations in aspect, elevation, and soil composition found throughout their holdings.
Philosophy & Practice
Comando G's approach centers on minimal intervention, both in the vineyard and cellar. They farm their vineyards following organic principles, working the land with manual tools and draft horses to minimize soil compaction. Their viticulture emphasizes biodiversity and soil health to produce balanced fruit that authentically expresses its origin.
In the winery, fermentations occur with native yeasts in open-top wooden vats, with whole clusters typically included to add structural complexity and aromatic lift. Extraction is gentle, focusing on infusion rather than aggressive maceration. Aging takes place primarily in used French oak barrels and foudres of various sizes, selected to allow slow oxygen exchange without imparting dominant oak flavors.
Their production remains deliberately small, with each vineyard harvested by hand and vinified separately to preserve its distinct character. This meticulous approach extends to bottling with minimal filtration and low sulfur additions, maintaining the purity and vitality of their wines.
Through their work, Comando G has demonstrated that Spanish Garnacha can achieve the delicacy and site-specificity often associated with Burgundian Pinot Noir, challenging preconceptions about the variety and establishing new possibilities for Spanish wine.