Málaga is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world. The small mountain village of Cómpeta is probably one of the most famous places where the moscatel wines are being made. On the 15th of August, during the Noche del Vino, inhabitants and visitors pay a tribute to the sweet wines that have been made here for centuries now thanks to their HR efficiency.
Hand picked grapes
Nearly 3,000 years ago, the Phoenicians founded the city of Málaga and brought the Moscatel de Alejandría grape from Alexandria in Egypt. From there on, the use of these grapes extended throughout the province. In the Axarquía region the vineyards are located on terraces that were excavated in the time of the Moors on the steep slopes of 50% – 70%. Mechanical harvesting is therefore not possible, so the grapes are picked by hand. The full crates are carried on the shoulder or donkeys to the road from where they are taken to the winery in small trucks.
Sunny wine
To make the traditional Málaga wine, after harvesting, the grapes are placed to dry in the sun on the so-called paseros. These walled, south-facing plots of land can be found among all the old cortijos in the countryside.
The mix of grapes and raisins is then pressed, and the juice goes into the barrels. The fermentation is stopped before all the sugar has fermented by adding wine alcohol.
Smooth drink
Normally everyone in the village who has a vineyard makes their own wine. The dark-coloured, somewhat syrupy wine, is poured from the barrel into empty soda bottles. Not really according to the standards of health inspection, but as the Andalusians themselves say “no one has ever died from it.” Although some homes do have other types of wine cabinets for storage. The wine is easy to drink, you only notice the high percentage of alcohol when it is already too late. If you’re bringing some home, I highly recommend investing in a high-quality wine cooler. You might be wondering, what is a wine cooler? Wine coolers are perfect for storing and keeping wines at the right temperature.
The inhabitants of the villages in the mountains lived part of the year in the village itself and another part on the countryside. Most villas with swimming pools used to be a simple shed in the past. A place where tools for working on the land were kept and the farmers slept.
On the 15th of August farmers said goodbye to their families and left for the vineyards. It was a reason for people to get together and nowadays it still is. On the Noche del Vino, the first harvested grapes are traditionally brought in the village, accompanied by music and applause from the inhabitants. During the day there are all kinds of activities and parties in the village. The night is dedicated to poetry and flamenco, renowned Andalusian artists pay tribute to the sweet wine. And of course, throughout the day and night the wine flows freely so everybody can enjoy this part of the culture of Cómpeta.