Vara y Pulgar Vino de la Tierra de Cadiz Tintilla 2014

Tintilla, a rare red varietal once cultivated extensively in Jerez, nearly disappeared after the phylloxera epidemic in the early twentieth century. Alberto Orte of Ole Imports recovered a few Tintilla cuttings from abandoned vineyards that managed to survive phylloxera, and after careful cultivation has created the first dry, unfortified, 100% Tintilla table wine in over a century. An opaque crimson-tinged ruby in the glass, the Vara y Pulgar – crafted from vines planted in the same noble chalky Albariza soil that produces the best sherries – casts deep notes of blackberries, violets, peppered cured meats, smoke and chalky minerals. Fresh and vibrant on the palate, Orte’s Vara y Pulgar alternates expressions of red and black berry fruit accented by fine tannins, leather and hints of bitter chocolate. Dry and appetizingly bitter, the Vara y Pulgar finishes lively, delicious and packed with personality. Enjoy now and over the coming three years with potato tapas, grilled meats, sausages, sauteed porcini mushrooms and best-quality salumi. Fascinating wine!