Albillo Mayor 2023 from Bendito Destino is a generous white wine that showcases the rare Spanish grape Albillo Mayor, native to Ribera del Duero. Its destiny seemed written from the moment it caught the attention of Terry Kandylis. With finesse, complexity and a structure reminiscent of fine white Burgundy, this wine was made to steal the spotlight.
In the heart of Ribera del Duero, among century-old vines, Bendito Destino — “Blessed Destiny” — was born. In 2020, award-winning sommelier Terry Kandylis, en route to the Canary Islands, made a stop in the village of Canalejas de Peñafiel that would change his life forever. At an altitude of 925 metres, he saw the opportunity to breathe new life into abandoned vineyards and craft wines with a unique identity. With the help of Secundino, the village’s oldest vine grower, he revived Spanish tradition using sustainable viticulture and winemaking techniques. Today, Bendito Destino is considered one of Spain’s most exciting wine projects, expressing the greatness of the local terroir through rare, limited-edition bottles.
Albillo Mayor 2023 Bendito Destino is made from grapes sourced from four century-old vineyards in the region. For this wine, Terry Kandylis applied techniques he learned from top Burgundy winemakers, whom he had closely studied. The grapes are first foot-stomped in the traditional way, followed by gentle basket pressing. Fermentation takes place with ambient yeasts in 500L François Frères oak barrels. The wine then rests for around seven months on its fine lees, gaining richness, texture and complexity.
With just 1,281 bottles released worldwide, Albillo Mayor 2023 from Bendito Destino is truly a collector’s wine. Don’t miss the chance to taste it!
