2017 Alberto Orte "Escalada do Bibei", Valdeorras, Spain

ABOUT THIS WINE

In Valdeorras, Alberto works with a few local farmers who own parcels of old vine Merenzao (Trousseau), Mencia and Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouchet). These parcels are miniscule, so production is extremely small. The steep parcels that produce Escalada Do Sil and Escalada Do Bibei are located along the riverbanks of the Sil and Bibei rivers. Most of the surrounding vineyards have been abandoned, leaving them isolated and surrounded by forests and wild herbs. These vineyards are so remote and steep that tractors cannot access the vineyards, thus all work is done manually. These sites are unique pieces of history that produce one-of-a-kind wines from a territory that is almost extinct. All the work in these vineyards is done organically and following biodynamic principles. In order to preserve the clonal identity of each site, Alberto replants each dead vine with genetic material from that corresponding site. 

Escalada Do Bibei represents a revival of a style of wine that once upon a time was popular in the high elevation region of Valdeorras. Today Valdeorras is mostly known for the production of white Godello grapes, however before the 1800s, this region was known for the production of red wine, specifically grapes like Merenzao, which are rare to find today. Escalada Do Bibei is a blend of Merenzao, Mencía and Brancellao. Merenzao and Brancellao are very aromatic, offering aromas of strawberries and violets. In Portugal, the Merenzao grape takes the name of Bastardo and in France, specifically in the Jura region, it takes the name of Trousseau. Mencía provides body and Brancellao contributes acidity. The vineyards of this rare wine are near the cliffs of the Bibei River which is more narrow and steep than the neighboring Sil river. Valdeorras is known for its altitude and mineral soils composed of slate and granite. The region is in between Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra, but its climate is very different. Its higher elevation brings cooler nights and mornings, producing grapes with uplifted tones and refined tannins.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Alberto Orte is a force to be reckoned with, producing truly compelling and ambitious wines that have firmly established him as one of the most talented up and comers of the next generation of Spanish winemakers. In addition to co-founding Olé & Obrigado, Alberto has also dedicated a huge portion of his life to discovering great terroirs, resurrecting ancient clones, and replanting nearly extinct grape varieties that would otherwise be lost to modernity. Alberto produces wine in many regions throughout the Iberian Peninsula, most notably in Jerez, Valdeorras and Rioja. 

 Alberto believes that low yields, balanced soils, and top-quality raw materials are three fundamental factors to creating terroir-reflective and balanced wines. He produces two types of wines: wines of unique terroirs, which are labeled as Alberto Orte, and wines from village- designated vineyards that are more approachable, which are labeled as Vinos Atlántico. 

 Born in Madrid to a viticulture and winemaking family, Alberto Orte always took an interest in Spain, its natural resources, and its wine. As a teenager, Alberto would spend his days picking grapes with his cousins and working at his family’s winery in Montilla Moriles. After studying law at the University of Madrid, Alberto partnered with Patrick Mata at the young age of 24 to create Olé & Obrigado. Shortly thereafter, Alberto pursued a master’s degree in viticulture at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. While Patrick handles the marketing and business aspects of their business in the United States, Alberto keeps his roots in his native Spain, where he selects, vinifies, and produces an array of Spanish wines. Today, Alberto lives with his family in El Puerto de Santa Maria (Cadiz) in Jerez with his wife and six children.