VinoLoverWith the purpose of offering traditional Andalusian wines that are a true reflection of their terroir, Jesús Barquín and Eduardo Ojeada founded Equipo Navazos in 2005. In an exclusive interview with Gourmet Hunters, Jesús Barquín explains the philosophy behind their project and the qualities that make their wines stand out among traditional Andalusian wines, about which he assures that “Those who really know them cannot help but admire them as a superlative achievement of civilization”.
How was Equipo Navazos conceived? What philosophy do you transmit from the beginning?
For several years we have been defending the need to emphasize the bond between traditional Andalusian wines and the vineyard and the terroir, as well as offering them in their full authenticity to show quality wine lovers the nuances and the difference, beyond the homogenization that is implicit in the great brands. One day in December 2005, without looking for it and without having planned it, we were given the opportunity to do it ourselves, and that’s when it all started.
Today, what is the perception of traditional Andalusian wines?
It depends on where. In my house I assure you that it is very good. In other places, it will depend on a series of factors, but above all on knowledge. Those who really know them cannot help but admire them as a superlative achievement of civilization and one of the great historical contributions of our land to gastronomy and winemaking.
Do you think that Equipo Navazos has contributed to improve it?
We hope we have contributed a grain of sand. But we are talking about something so big and with such a historical projection that the contribution that anyone can make at this point will always be small and on the shoulders of the giants that have preceded us for centuries.
Where does ‘La Bota de’ come from in the name of its wines?
With this brand we want to transmit two ideas: On the one hand, that our wines are shown as they are in the bottle, with a minimum of filtering only when strictly necessary (for example, to prevent the flower from going into the bottle), so that the wine lover can have the experience of tasting the wine directly from the bottle or as close as possible to it. On the other hand, it is a small tribute to Edgar Allan Poe and his story The Cask of Amontillado, a story written almost two hundred years ago that reveals the enormous historical importance of our wines in the elite of the most valued in the world.
What are the qualities that make your wines stand out?
I believe in authenticity and fidelity to their origin. And I hope also balance and a special elegance.
How do you position yourself in the local and international markets?
To be honest, we don’t position ourselves. Equipo Navazos‘ perspective is quite relaxed and, if you like, amateur; we stick to the part that interests us, which is the vineyard and the winery (in particular, in charge of my partner Eduardo Ojeda), and then taste and decide on the wines, in which I have the privilege of being able to participate a little. All the commercial and strategic part falls mainly on external partners who are professionals in the field, especially our friends at Coalla.
How do you see the future of still wines in traditional Andalusian wines?
Well, even brilliant if there is a critical mass of producers who do things right. In the short term, they are not going to be the “salvation” of the traditional wine areas, but they can bring a lot of positive things: freshness, widening and rejuvenation of the consumer base, a gateway to traditional wines, better balance between production cost and sales price…
VinoLover
Claudio Comella
