Bodega Les Freses
Les Freses (“the strawberries” in Valencian), sits just outside the village of Jesús Pobre on the edge of the Montgó Natural Park between Javea and Dénia. The owner acquired what was a strawberry farm in the 1970s and when the strawberry business didn’t pan out, it was converted into a winery.
The area is well-suited for grapes. The Moscatel grape has been central to this coastline for a very long time back to the 18th century. Jávea experienced an economic boom built largely on the cultivation and export of raisins made from Moscatel vines. The prosperity it generated is still visible in the old town’s merchant houses.
The north-facing slope of the Montgó creates a microclimate that allows the vines to grow without irrigation. L’Alt de Benimàquia, an archaeological site dating back to the 7th century BC is just above the winery. Excavations there uncovered wine grape seeds and stone basins used for pressing grapes. It’s one of the oldest known winemaking sites in Western Europe.
The winery specializes in Muscatel, but don’t assume that means sweet. Las Fresas produces a dry Muscatel that’s quite different from what most people expect. Their white, L’Horabona, is a dry Muscatel with floral notes and a crisp finish. They also produce a sweet Dolç, a sparkling rosé called Rosa and a couple of reds as well.
It’s best to make a reservation to visit, so that you can get a tour of the vineyard and hear more about the area. Tours are available most days and there’s always at least a couple of time slots where the tour is given in English. The winery has a small tasting room along with a very nice patio where you can enjoy any wine you wish to purchase. They offer wine by the glass, as well as by the bottle.
We really enjoyed our visit and will definitely be taking guests here when we are in the area permanently.
Check out more places in the Jàvea area here.