2021 Zarate Tinto Fontecon

Caino 30% and Espadeiro 70% from Rain Baixas, Spain

The Zarate estate has a long history, dating back to 1707. In 1850, they planted what is now Rias Baixas’ oldest documented pre-phyloxera Albariño vineyard called El Palomar, which still produces wine to this day. There are also ancient plantings of Loureiro Tinto and Caiño Tinto which have become super rare in an appellation that is now almost exclusively planted to white grapes.

Pomares began his red wine program in 2009 as a shared project with his friend, Raul Perez. He makes tiny quantities of Espadeiro, Caiño Tinto and Loureiro Tinto, mostly from very old estate plantings that he has fastidiously maintained, plus some new plots for which he has used massale cuttings from his old vines. These reds are bright, high-toned, and fresh with low alcohols, and the gentle vinification is employed to try and counter the sometimes rustic nature of these varietals.