THE EXOTIC HERITAGE REDS OF ALBERTO ORTE
Alberto Orte makes wine across Spain, with projects in Yecla, Rioja, Jerez, and Valdeorras. His common theme is reclaiming history- recreating the wines that existed in Spain before the Marqueses & Condes dominated production. His wines aren't overtly natural, often tasting remarkably fresh and polished but there is an obsession with reviving ancient varieties & terroirs that most business minded winemakers would rather not touch.
Hence, these two miniscule production wines from the sheer cliffs of Valdeorras. We only received six bottles of each of these wines and think they are true pinnacles of deep-cut rediscovered Spain. - WP
The Escalada do Sil comes from tiny parcels of granite & slate soils all between 1,600 & 2,500 ft elevation along the Sil river in the town of Larouco. Vines are cropped at a third of the area's average yields and the surprising blend features 60% Merenzao (aka Trousseau) with 30% Mencia & 10% Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet). After 15 months in 500L French barrels, the result feels like a remarkably sunny take on Juran Trousseau. Bright black cherry, lilac, cola, and rose mingle with Mencia's distinct pepperiness.