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May 13 2025
Willy Pérez & Ramiro Ibáñez
Redefining the Essence of the Andalusian Fortified Wines
Meet Willy Pérez (1982) and Ramiro Ibáñez (1980): two visionary winemakers from the Jerez Triangle,
Willy Pérez, The Heritage Reviver
Born into a lineage steeped in Jerez winemaking, Willy Pérez's passion for wine was ignited by a historical account of Pedro Domecq's vineyard practices. This revelation led him to delve deep into the region's viticultural history, aiming to restore its former glory. At Bodegas Luis Pérez, founded by his father, Willy crafts wines that pay homage to traditional methods, focusing on the unique characteristics of the albariza soils and the region's historic vineyards like Macharnudo and Carrascal. Beyond winemaking, Willy is a dedicated researcher and educator.
"Diversity in the message is essential for the resurgence of Jerez.” - Willy Pérez to Diario de Jerez
Ramiro Ibáñez, The Terroir Enthusiast
A native of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Ramiro Ibáñez is renowned for his deep understanding of the region's diverse terroirs. After gaining experience in Bordeaux and Australia, he returned home to champion the unique qualities of the albariza soils through his project, Cota 45. Here, Ramiro produces unfortified wines that highlight the distinct characteristics of specific pagos, utilizing traditional methods like spontaneous fermentation and sun-drying grapes.
Ramiro's dedication extends to preserving nearly extinct grape varieties and mentoring local growers, encouraging them to produce their own wines. His efforts have earned him recognition, including the "Personality of the Year 2021" award from the International Wine Challenge Merchant Awards Spain.
“For me, it's much more interesting to draw out the aromas of the terroir from a sobretabla wine than to dwell on the peak of the flor.” - Ramiro Ibáñez to Spanish Wine Lover
De la Riva: A Collaborative Revival
In 2017, Willy and Ramiro combined their expertise to launch Bodegas de la Riva, a venture aimed at resurrecting historic vineyard sites and traditional winemaking techniques. Their collaborative efforts focus on producing wines that reflect the authentic spirit of Jerez, emphasizing terroir over industrial processes. Through meticulous research and hands-on experimentation, they strive to bring the region's rich heritage to contemporary wine enthusiasts.
Together, Willy Pérez and Ramiro Ibáñez are not just winemakers; they are custodians of Jerez's vinous legacy, blending historical insight with innovative practices to shape the future of the region's wines.