In colloquial Spanish, the expression "4 Monos" is used to refer to a small group of people, with a friendly and approachable nuance. It's akin to saying: "Even though we are not many, here we are, doing our thing!"
This phrase takes on special meaning when recounting the story of four friends who decided to revive some neglected old vineyards in the Sierra de Gredos, Madrid (Spain). At that time, they were quite literally "4 monos", because, although nowadays the garnacha grown in the granitic soils of the D.O. Vinos de Madrid is highly esteemed, initially no one believed in those vineyards. Thus, almost by chance, Javier García, Laura Robles, David Moreno, and David Velasco embarked on their venture in the town of Cadalso de los Vidrios, in the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos.
With environmentally friendly viticulture, striving to preserve the unique character of each vineyard in their wines, they present 4 Monos Cien Lanzas. A red wine sourced from three different plots that include the indigenous varieties garnacha blanca, garnacha tinta, and cariñena. Centenarian vines planted in granite soil at a high altitude, cultivated through respectful agriculture and biodynamic treatments. In the winery, the grapes ferment with whole clusters and native yeasts, with minimal extraction. Afterwards, the wine ages in used 500L barrels and 5000L foudres for 14 months.
Elegant, fresh, and fluid, with 4 Monos Cien Lanzas, these four friends demonstrate that, although they may be few, through hard work and passion for what they do, they have transformed this somewhat forgotten region into a promising one.