Winemaker Notes
'Zestos' means 'basket' in English. Not too many years ago, baskets like the ones depicted on these labels were used to transport grapes from the vineyard to the wineries. If you love red wines of tension that exhibit purity and finesse or white wines of complexity and tremendous value you will find Bodega Zestos to be your new love. In the words of Robert M. Parker, Jr, the most influential wine critic in the world, Zestos is "A staggering value".
Zestos produces from organically grown Malvar vines 35+ years of age and Garnacha vines that were planted in 1969 in the high elevation vineyards of San Martin de Valdeiglesias – northwest of Madrid. Zestos also produces wines in the southeast region of Madrid in the town of Arganda del Rey, within the Arganda subregion.
Known for bold reds, crisp whites and distinctive sparkling and fortified wines, Spain has embraced international varieties and wine styles while continuing to place primary emphasis on its own native grapes. Though the country’s climate is diverse, it is generally hot and dry. In the center of the country lies a vast, arid plateau known as the Meseta Central, characterized by extremely hot summers and frequent drought.
Rioja is Spain’s best-known region, where earthy, age-worthy reds are made from Tempranillo and Garnacha (Grenache). Rioja also produces rich, nutty whites from the local Viura grape.
Ribera del Duero is gaining ground with its single varietal Tempranillo wines, recognized for their concentration of fruit and opulence. Priorat, a sub-region of Catalonia, specializes in bold, full-bodied red blends of Garnacha (Grenache), Cariñena (Carignan), and often Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Catalonia is also home to Cava, a sparkling wine made in the traditional method but from indigenous varieties. In the cool, damp northwest region of Galicia, refreshing white Albariño and Verdejo dominate.
Sherry, Spain’s famous fortified wine, is produced in a wide range of styles from dry to lusciously sweet at the country’s southern tip in Jerez.
Whether it’s playful and fun or savory and serious, most rosé today is not your grandmother’s White Zinfandel, though that category remains strong. Pink wine has recently become quite trendy, and this time around it’s commonly quite dry. Since the pigment in red wines comes from keeping fermenting juice in contact with the grape skins for an extended period, it follows that a pink wine can be made using just a brief period of skin contact—usually just a couple of days. The resulting color depends on grape variety and winemaking style, ranging from pale salmon to deep magenta.
