Zestos

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Country of Origin: Spain
Location: Madrid
People: Patrick Mata & Alberto Orte, Owners | Alberto Orte, Winemaker
Viticulture: Practicing Organic

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Just beyond the bustle of Madrid lies a landscape of high elevation vineyards and remarkably old vines rooted in poor, mineral soils. In these rugged conditions, Garnacha and native white varieties produce wines of lift, freshness, and authenticity. Zestos captures this side of central Spain, where altitude and old vines define character.

Zestos Tinto comes from old vine Garnacha planted as early as 1950 in San Martín de Valdeiglesias, northwest of Madrid. This subzone is known for producing some of Spain’s most floral and mineral expressions of Garnacha. Granite and sandy soils dominate the area, contributing a distinct mineral edge and aromatic nuance to the wine.

The vineyards sit at 870 meters above sea level. The elevation brings dramatic diurnal shifts, naturally limiting yields and preserving acidity. The vines produce small crops of fully ripened grapes with concentration and balance. The result is Garnacha with purity of fruit, energy, and the structure to evolve gracefully over time.

Zestos Blanco is produced from Malvar, a traditional variety of the Madrid region. The vineyards are located southeast of the city in Arganda del Rey, within the Arganda subregion, at approximately 500 meters elevation. Here, poor clay and limestone soils with sandy subsoil restrict vigor. The continental climate brings hot days and cool nights, allowing for steady ripening while retaining acidity.

Malvar combines bright, refreshing acidity with a broader midpalate texture, offering the freshness of Sauvignon Blanc alongside the roundness of an unoaked Chardonnay. The wine is vibrant, approachable, and distinctly regional.

The Label: The Basket
“Zestos” is Spanish for “baskets,” a nod to the traditional harvest containers once used to transport grapes from vineyard to cellar. Today, careful handling of fruit in small bins prevents crushing and oxidation, preserving aromatic integrity before fermentation.