Reviving the Soul of Jerez
M. Ant. de la Riva is one of Spain’s most fascinating revival stories. Founded in the 1920s by Manuel Antonio de la Riva, the estate was once counted among the crown jewels of Jerez before fading into obscurity after its absorption by Domecq in 1970. Nearly five decades later, visionary winemakers Willy Pérez and Ramiro Ibáñez resurrected the historic name, driven by a shared mission to return Jerez to its terroir-focused roots.
Guided by De la Riva’s original vineyard notebooks, the duo craft wines that capture the spirit of old Andalusia — expressive, pure and deeply tied to place. Their philosophy is rooted in minimal intervention and an almost obsessive respect for the vineyard. They work with ancient albariza soils, the chalk-white earth that defines Jerez, producing wines that combine Atlantic freshness with crystalline precision.
A New Golden Age for Jerez
Through M. Ant. de la Riva, Willy Pérez and Ramiro Ibáñez have not only revived a legendary name but redefined what Jerez can be. Their wines stand at the crossroads of history and innovation, showing that the Palomino grape, when treated with respect and precision, can yield some of the world’s most profound whites.
Wines Produced at M. Ant. de la Riva
Macharnudo San Cayetano
The flagship wine and a defining expression of modern Jerez. From a three-hectare parcel within the Grand Cru vineyard Macharnudo, planted to old-vine Palomino on limestone-rich albariza soils, it embodies purity, minerality and Atlantic energy. Fermented in a mix of stainless steel and old sherry butts, a delicate veil of flor lends subtle complexity. Saline, textured and deeply expressive, Macharnudo San Cayetano captures the very essence of Jerez terroir, proving that Palomino can rival the world’s greatest whites.
Miraflores Alta
From the coastal vineyards near Sanlúcar de Barrameda, this Palomino-based white offers a brighter, more saline profile. The proximity to the sea lends a delicate lift, with hints of green apple, almond and sea spray. It showcases the influence of ocean breezes and lighter albariza soils, offering an elegant, zesty expression of Jerez.
El Notario
Aged in old American oak under a thin veil of flor, El Notario bridges the gap between unfortified table wine and traditional Fino. Its texture is round yet taut, marked by notes of chamomile, nuts and baked lemon. It reflects Pérez and Ibáñez’s pursuit of structure and depth without fortification.
Manzanilla Pasada
Produced in tiny quantities, this is a rare old Manzanilla drawn from selected butts aged for many years in Sanlúcar. Combining the finesse of the coast with the complexity of long ageing, it delivers nutty, saline depth balanced by lifted flor character.
