Region: Cádiz, Andalusia, Spain

Varietal: 100% Tintilla

Tasting Notes: Meaty spices, grilled herbs, dark earth and rich black cherries and hibiscus. Intense yet juicy on the palate with a full body and a tight and bright finish. Drink or hold.

Producer: Alberto Orte has built a quiet reputation as one of Spain’s most thoughtful wine historians, rescuing native varieties from near extinction and championing the forgotten terroirs of southern Spain. ‘Vara y Pulgar’—which translates to “Stick and Thumb,” the traditional method of vine pruning—was one of the first wines to bring Tintilla de Rota back into the spotlight. Once nearly lost, this indigenous grape of Cádiz had historically been used in fortified wines, but Orte saw its potential as a dry red, investing over a decade into its revival. His work reflects a deep reverence for Andalusian heritage and a vision for the region’s future, bridging past and present in every bottle.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The Tintilla vines for Vara y Pulgar are organically farmed in albariza soils—chalky, moisture-retentive soils better known for growing Palomino for Sherry. Located just inland from the Atlantic Ocean, these coastal vineyards enjoy cooling breezes and a long, slow ripening season that preserves acidity and builds aromatic complexity. The 2021 vintage, with its mild conditions and steady ripening, allowed for beautifully balanced fruit. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts in stainless steel, followed by aging in a mix of large neutral oak and amphora, lending subtle structure and earthy depth while showcasing the grape’s natural elegance and spice.