Tasting Notes
An astonishing red blend: almost a history project in a glass. From 5 remote old vine plots - 80-100 years old on the banks of the Bibei river - almost cliff-like slopes, and a more narrow river than the neighbouring Sil River. A blend of Merenzao (known as Trousseau in the Jura or Bastardo in Spain) with some Mencia and Brancellao bringing fabulous aromatics. It's rare to find Merenzao in this area now, but great reds have been produced here historically, and this wine is something of a homage to them. Spicy, cedar-y fruit, soft leather and balsam, with a tease of vanilla and almost Pinot-esque poise and purity of fruit. There's a crunch of dried bracken there, and very fine tannins. Exceptionally balanced.
More Info
A titan of the Spanish wine industry - introducing Alberto Orte! Oh, where to begin. He’s the guy, at the tender age of 24, who co-founded renowned US based Spanish specialist wine importer, Olé & Obrigado. A farmer, producer and historian all in one, he’s dedicated a huge portion of his life to exploring, identifying and preserving old varieties and clones, and has successfully identified a whopping 200+ old clones of Palomino Fino and Palomino Jerez and revived and re-planted over 20 grape varieties on the brink of extinction. As well as his projects in Jerez, Alberto also makes wine from extraordinary sites in Yecla, Rioja and as we have here, Valdeorras.