Viñedos de Jorco, Garnacha "El Jorco" Cebreros DOP, Spain 2021

Winemaker Raul Perez and his partners decided in 2009 to do a project together in the Gredos zone just outside of Madrid, focusing on high-elevation Garnacha in what is the now separate DO of Cebreros. The so-called “Garnacha Belt” west of Madrid is one of the most exciting and unique viticultural areas of Spain and is capable of producing wines that showcase the Pinot Noir-like side of Grenache, with fine, high-toned, mineral-infused red fruits, and an elegance and finesse that is rare in this often clunky and monolithic varietal.

It wasn’t until the 2011 vintage when they honed in on some remote vineyards in what was known as the “Jorco” area near the village of Villalba that they began to produce the wines they desired. In 2016 they were able to purchase a 2.5-hectare parcel of Garnacha planted in 1915. This location is very special as it is close to a small stream named Pizarra and not far from the river Beceas. The vineyard faces mostly north with a small portion facing east. The soil comprises two types of granite each with a different color: one is very light-colored sand, while the other is also sandy in texture but pink in color. The granite is very “decomposed” so it is deep, fine, and sandy but also with the ability to hold water in this very dry climate. These factors combined: the proximity to water, the high elevation, the large diurnal temperature shifts, the north/east orientation, and the sandy, granite soils all make for a very fresh and slow maturing Garnacha.

“El Jorco” comes from this vineyard. It is farmed organically without herbicides and pesticides and according to the lunar cycles - in part following concepts of biodynamics. The wine is fermented in wooden casks and then aged for 12 months in neutral barrels. Raul makes wines with his great touch, producing fresh, light, low-alcohol wines with great finesse, refinement, and intensity of fruit.