Altos de Montanchez 2019 'Vegas Altas' Ancestral, Vino de la Tierra de Extremadura

Item Number: 17366

UPC: None

Country: Spain
Region: Extremadura
Sub Region: Ribera del Guadiana
Appellation/AVA: Tierra de Extremadura
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2019
Grape(s): 30% Xarel-lo / 38% Macabeo / 32% Cabernet Sauvignon
Type: Wine - Sparkling
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Crown Cap
Alc by Vol(%): 11.5
Viticulture: Certified Organic
Soil Type: Clay

Vineyard Notes: Altos de Montanchez is the only 100% organic winery in the whole Extremadura region (also uses biodynamic principles). The vineyard is located in the area of Vegas Altas, just east of Mérida, on the banks of the Guadiana River. The quality of the terroir and the high level of biodiversity promoted in the vineyard makes human intervention almost unnecessary. The proximity to the river creates a special microclimate with humidity that decreases the irrigation needs and favors the elaboration of wines with excellent quality.

Winemaking Notes: Harvest is done manually, always at night. Vegas Altas Ancestral is a co-ferment blend of Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and direct press Cabernet Sauvignon (percentages vary each vintage) that is made sparkling via—you guessed it—the ancestral method! The grapes are crushed together in stainless steel tank with wild yeast fermentation and aged in the bottle for several months before disgorgement by hand. No fining, filtering, and very low to no SO2 at bottling.

Tasting Notes: Vegas Altas Ancestral is a delightful pét-nat with a pale pinkish/orange hue. This 2019 happens to be a little bit more rosé in color than some of the previous vintages. The wine has very expressive aromas of white fruits. It is fresh and fruity with good structure in the mouth, soft and balanced.

Fun Fact: The Cabernet vines came as a mistake from the nursery so they only have 1ha of 13-year-old vines which they devote to their sparkling.