Vinos del Atlantico 'Zestos' Garnacha, Vinos de Madrid, Spain 2022

Founded in 2002, Compañía de Vinos del Atlántico united the winemaking heritage of the Orte and Matas families, both of whom had been producing wine across Spain's diverse regions since the late 19th century. Alberto produces two categories of wine: single-terroir expressions under the Alberto Orte label, and more approachable, village-designated wines under the Vinos Atlántico umbrella. The Zestos line — whose name references the harvest baskets once used to carry grapes from the vineyard on foot — draws fruit from the high-elevation subzone of San Martín de Valdeiglesias, one of Madrid's most compelling and undersung wine districts.

• WINEMAKER: Alberto Orte
• FARMING: Dry farmed; organically grown. Certified Carbon Neutral.
• VARIETY: 100% Garnacha
• TERROIR: Vineyards in the San Martín de Valdeiglesias district sit at elevations up to 870 meters, with granite and sandy soils contributing notable mineral character to the wines. Garnacha is the dominant variety across all subregions of Vinos de Madrid except Arganda, and San Martín is considered one of the most expressive sources for the grape in all of Spain
• VINIFICATION: Grapes are harvested by hand in mid-October with 80–90% destemming. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and cement tanks of 10,000-liter capacity.
• AGING: Aged in cement tanks for a minimum of six months prior to bottling. 
• TASTING NOTES: Vivid ruby in color, with lively red and dark berry aromas showing clarity and a hint of candied flowers. The palate is smooth and seamless, with juicy black raspberry and cherry underpinned by a gentle mineral thread. The finish is fruity and broad, with a lift of white pepper.
• FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled lamb, roasted pork, aged Manchego, charcuterie, pizza.