Bodegas Illana, "El Pico"
D.O.P. Ribera del Júcar
Cuenca, La Mancha, Spain
~ Currently in Organic Conversion ~
"Tradition, Handicrafts and a Strong Family Spirit"
In 1626, King Felipe IV of Spain gave the Illana family a parcel of land known as the Finca Buenavista. For 4 generations, the Illana family has produced their wines on this land, located 2 hours southeast of Madrid in the La Mancha region.
Spanish winemaker Carolina and her husband Javier run the day-to-day operations of the cellar and winery. While both are also involved with the vineyards, Javier states unequivocally that Carolina is the true genius when it comes to grapes. Romantically enough, Javier & Carolina met during their last wine class at University.
The name "El Pico" ("The Peak") comes from their focus on ideal wines for the market. Of course, with its play on words, "El Pico" also means "The Beak", which is how the logo was created.
The following wines are currently imported: