13 Viñas and the Key to Rebirth
The 13 Viñas winery is the star of this second collaboration with Starboyjavi. From the picturesque wine-producing lands of the "El Bierzo" region, nestled among the mountain ranges of León, comes a selection of five wines that embody the essence of the renaissance of this small artisanal winery. These wines have opened the door to my inspiration for this artistic proposal, offering a myriad of flavors and sensations.
A key to rule them all
Julio Calvo is the mastermind behind the creation of these wines. His logo, the iron key hanging on one of the walls of the winery since he can remember, serves as the defining symbol that inspired me to create this exclusive piece of abstract art. From the very moment I saw it, I felt captivated—not by Cupid's arrow, but by a key, launched like the bolt of a ballista, journeying from León to Aragón.
This key is laden with symbolism from my perspective. For me, it represents how Julio took charge of his family's vineyards, faced with the decision of whether to carry forward the legacy or abandon the vineyards. The result is 13 Viñas—a labor of resurgence and rebirth in the vineyards of Cubillos del Sil, where century-old vines, abandoned for hundreds of years, were rescued from the wilderness. These very vines are now the foundation of this phoenix rising from the ashes in the form of a winery. This story inspired me to make the key the central element of my artwork, as well as its importance in the labeling of the bottles and the identity of the winery.
And some may wonder, "What has happened to that majestic key forged in fire, made of millennial iron that so vividly shows the passage of time?" After piercing through my heart and soul, the key underwent an inevitable transformation. It was bathed in a luminous layer of color, revealing all the power it holds within. Golden and silver hues, along with shades of red present throughout the labels of the elegant wines, were brought to life here.
Initially, my idea was to add finer strokes to the tip of the key and less enveloping strokes at its base, keeping its shape closer to the original key—but I let the emotion take over. I don't know about others, but this key conquered my heart, and I couldn't do anything but let myself be carried away. I must also share a secret that influenced the creation of this piece, beyond the key and the experience of tasting these wines, which I will narrate in the next section. This influence stems from a video game called Kingdom Hearts, where the protagonist's main weapon is a "Keyblade." Undoubtedly, this saga, which has marked me over the years, has left an imprint on this artwork. For me, the 13 Viñas winery has emerged and flourished thanks to Julio carrying on his family’s legacy, wielding this "Keyblade" to overcome countless challenges until establishing the winery and maintaining the success and quality of its wines over the years.
A key to five majestic doors
Each wine from this winery carries a story to tell—a narrative of tradition, resilience, and innovation. It is in this interplay of emotions and flavors that the inspiration for this artistic collaboration is found, where every bottle becomes a masterpiece, not only delighting the palate but also awakening the soul. Let’s pick up the key and unlock each of these doors to discover where they lead. It is worth noting that this is my personal experience, which does not necessarily reflect an accurate description of the product, but rather my own subjectivity and intimacy:
Babú
The purity of a Bierzo sunrise is encapsulated in Babú's bottle. A golden dawn, with a soft and pleasant hue, gently greets the day with the refreshing notes of citrus, such as crisp green apple, wildflowers, and a delicate whisper of fresh herbs. A wonderful way to start the day with the balance offered by Babú’s white wine.
Mingus
With the same passion as a musician composing a symphony, Mingus harmonizes the richness of the Mencía grape with the unique nuances of the Bierzo terroir. This young red wine, full of energy and character, offers a palette of red fruits complemented by subtle minerality. Despite not being a fan of acidity, Mingus's intense personality perfectly aligns with my own nature.
Jonas
Jonas is the enigma of 13 Viñas, a rosé wine of profound complexity that invites discovery. Each sip unveils layers of exotic spices, intense red fruits, and a structure that combines strength and delicacy, while maintaining a softer acidity and gentler intensity. It’s a wine for exploring the unknown and unlocking familiar worlds that evoke nostalgic memories.
Alto de la Judiega
This wine is a tribute to the art of patience. Alto de la Judiega matures gracefully, developing notes of red fruits, reminiscent of cocoa, and an elegant and powerful tear that delights the senses with its high alcohol content. On the palate, its velvety texture and depth evoke the resilience of a vineyard that defied abandonment and flourished anew.
A Ponte Vella
Like a bridge that connects generations and landscapes, A Ponte Vella captures the essence of Bierzo at its finest. For me, this is my favorite and the most refined choice, part of a limited edition of 1,500 numbered bottles. The symbolism of the bridge simply won me over, starting from its labeling. This reserve wine, in my view, gathers aromas of dried fruits, delicate toasts, and a balsamic background that seduces the senses. Its enveloping structure and radiant golden and mahogany notes reflect the richness of the family heritage and the innovation of master artisan Julio Calvo. A Ponte Vella is not just a wine—it is a liquid masterpiece that bridges the past and future, paying homage to the transformation of the vineyards into a living legacy, full of character and beauty.
The Brilliance of 13 Viñas
In the heart of the Comarca de El Bierzo, among mountains that treasure centuries of stories, the 13 Viñas winery emerges as a sanctuary of oenological art and a symbol of the union between tradition and renewal. Under Julio Calvo’s visionary guidance, this winery has turned oblivion into hope, rescuing ancient vineyards from the shadows of time and restoring not only their splendor but also a renewed purpose that resonates in every sip.
The iron key, the distinctive emblem of 13 Viñas, represents not only the connection between the past and the future but also an opening to a universe of unique emotions, flavors, and sensations. This symbol, artistically reimagined in an abstract piece, honors the resilient spirit of this enterprise and the capacity of its visionary leader to transform challenges into opportunities, building a living legacy full of character, richness, and timeless beauty.
Thank you for this enriching experience through your wines; I have enjoyed it immensely. This will undoubtedly be a key that remains forever within me.
More information about the "13 Viñas" Winery and its entire offering, here.
Access the artwork resulting from this collaboration and learn more, here.