Vegas Altas 2022 Orange

Pairs with: Gazpacho de trigueros (asparagus)

Good for: Exploring an underrated winemaking region!

Grapes: Cayetana, Pardina

I am from: Extremadura, Spain

The Story: Extremadura, high in the western part of Spain, is hardly the first region one thinks of when thinking of wine from the country, but it's the fourth-largest winemaking region in the country. Its wines weren't really exported until the '70s and it still lags behind places like Ribera del Duero, Galicia or La Rioja in terms of reputation. What reputation it does have stems more from its Tempranillos, but some lovely things are being done with white wines as well.

Vegas Altas' Juan Sojo and Ángel Luis González are like brothers from another mother. One minute they’re arguing and the next they’re toasting to another harvest. They studied oenology together and ever since have been making wines together. Ángel Luis comes from a background in agriculture while Juan comes from a background in science. Both so different, but yet complement each other so well.

Together they want to prove their homeland’s winemaking potential and in doing so have recovered one of the region’s forgotten varieties: Eva de los Santos. They control and source grapes from 38 hectares of vineyards (some over 80 years of age) and have become the only organic wine producers in all of Extremadura. Following biodynamic principles and taking advantage of the night’s cooler temperatures, they reap their harvest under September’s full moon. Every grape cluster selected passes through their hands guaranteeing the highest quality and allowing them to limit the use of additives in the cellar. 

Why You'll Love Me: This is a lightly acidic wine, which pours a deep orange color. Look for floral notes up front as well as hints of tangerine and pineapple, a good tannin-forward structure and a dry, earthy finish!