In a bright, modern office bathed in the morning light of Dénia’s charming old quarter, Nicholas Hammeken speaks enthusiastically about Spain’s wines and his journey in the wine world. A Dane who fell in love with Spain, he founded Hammeken Cellars in 1996 to make fine but accessible wines for consumers worldwide.
Hammeken produces wines in 18 DOs throughout Spain, including lesser-known regions, resulting in wines that reflect the country’s unique and varied terroirs. ‘I am challenging the winemaking team to make really honest and authentic expressions of Spanish wines that will work in the market,’ Nicholas explains. ‘I am really excited about the possibilities!’
Heading this team of winemakers is Marcelo Morales. With Chilean origins and over 20 years of winemaking experience in Spain, Morales has helped develop close relationships with winemakers and growers at partner wineries.
Working alongside Morales as a consultant, renowned German winemaker Gerd Stepp brings a wealth of international experience both as a producer and working for major retailers in the UK. They offer creative and fresh perspectives to local winemakers who, in turn, bring ideas and techniques embedded in their rich history: ‘an energising exchange,’ as Hammeken puts it.
Founder Nicholas Hammeken. Credit: Josep Perelló
Wines to suit diverse modern tastes
Selling into 40 countries requires profound knowledge of international markets and logistics. Leading these experts in exports, sales director Daniel Gimenez is the link between the winemaking and commercial teams. A winemaker of many years’ experience in Spain and France, he provides a unique service: ‘I translate what the winemakers are doing so the sales team understands, and vice versa.’ Gimenez believes this results in ‘outstanding wines that correspond to the markets.’
Listening to the markets led to an unexpected result in 2024: the company’s combined white and rosé sales outstripped its sales of reds. Responding to customers is the underlying principle. ‘There are so many things happening in the markets, so many places that have new ideas like the UK and Scandinavia, so the key is working out what will work for Spain,’ outlines Stepp.
The prized llicorella soil of Priorat. Credit: Jose A. Vives Llobell – El Gallo
From Albariño to Monastrell
Hammeken Cellar’s range of wines represents some of the most exciting winemaking regions today. Cementing the company’s credentials in the production of white wines, its Gotas de Mar label includes young Albariño and Godello, as well as an elegant oak-aged version of the latter, from quality hot-spots Rías Baixas and Ribeiro.
From the home of Garnacha, Albades Garnacha de Montaña is a wonderful expression of the mountainous Aragonese terroir (especially Sierra de Algairén), while Sancta Yusta captures the granitic energy and mountain freshness of Cebreros in the Gredos mountains. Tosalet offers fantastically finessed Priorat wines at a competitive price point from one of Spain’s most expensive regions, and Aventino is a range of rich reds, carefully and elegantly crafted in Castilla y León’s premium DOs of Ribera del Duero and Toro.
At the heart of the range is Monastrell, under the Creencia brand. This is where it all started for Nicholas, in Spain’s Levante, and he believes this often undervalued variety can provide some of the greatest excitement. Already producing very balanced wines, he believes his winemaking team can push the boundaries of the variety even further to make modern, expressive and highly drinkable wines.
Winemaking director Marcelo Morales. Credit: Jose A. Vives Llobell – El Gallo
A sustainable future
Sustainability is at the heart of the company’s approach: Hammeken Cellars’ range is nearly 50% organic. Two of the most intriguing wines are Nanit Natural Wine and Nanit Orange. Perfectly balanced, bright and vibrant, these offer a great…
Source : https://www.decanter.com/sponsored/hammeken-cellars-spanish-wines-with-a-global-outlook-551068/