Casa Rojo has managed to shake up the Spanish wine world in just 10 years. The story basically began back in 2007, when committed politician Laura Muñoz and young oenologist Jose Luis Gómez fell in love. «Laura and I had only one goal: to be happy», says Jose Luis looking back. Freedom, love, wine... that's how their shared dream of a «creative enology» came about – without their own winery, without borders, without family restrictions.

Step by step, they set up a unique team, bringing together oenologists, winemakers, engineers, designers and journalists from all over Spain. Under the name «The Wine Gurus» they entered the stage of the wine world together in 2010. In their luggage was a fine portfolio of eight wines from the most diverse wine corners of the country. Not only did the idea of a location-independent winery knock traditionalists on the head, but the witty labels also knew how to provoke. A rather daring thing, since oenology does not really get along with humor – at least not until now. The fear of not being perceived as a serious winemaker is probably too great.

But the wine gurus are fully committed to their core values of freedom and creativity: in an unconventional and exaggerated way, their labels show the character of the respective wine. Their Verdejo from Rueda, for example, called «the fat one from the circus», undoubtedly has the balance, precision and concentration of a knife thrower. Yes, it really takes your breath away. Aged on fine yeast, it is fuller than other Verdejos and thus an ideal companion to fish as well as grilled vegetables. The audience will be thrilled!

Who doesn't know the «Fabelhaft» with the funny drawings by Wilhelm Busch on the label? The cult wine from the Douro now has a counterpart from the Mosel. Why? Because «Fabelhaft» winemaker Dirk Niepoort has always had a weakness for Riesling and his son Daniel has found a second home on the Mosel.

The picturesque wine village of Piesport is indeed a charming spot on earth. The Moselle meanders through old, steep vineyards... At first glance, it seems that everything here is still as it was during Wilhelm Busch's lifetime in the 19th century. Back then, German Rieslings were as highly valued as French red wines – and even a lot more expensive. We think it's high time for a revival of the great Riesling culture!

Together with young winemaker Philipp Kettern from Piesport, the Niepoorts make Rieslings like something out of a picture book. Terroir and tradition meet youthful lightheartedness – and this rejuvenating cure is really good for Riesling. Gault&Miliau recently named the Fabelhaft Riesling «Discovery of the Year 2020». This is no coincidence: fresh, cheeky, fruity – this Riesling is really fun to drink. Max and Moritz would be delighted with it. Whether Moselle or Douro – Niepoort definitely has a knack for fabulous drinking rivers!