Vara y Pulgar 100% Tintilla de Rota Red Wine from Cádiz 75cl

Vara y Pulgar 2022 is a red wine from Tierra de Cádiz, made from 100% Tintilla de Rota, a historic variety from southern Spain that has been recovered to show its expressiveness and unique character. Produced by Compañía de Vinos del Atlántico, this wine represents the essence of the Cadiz terroir, with vineyards influenced by the Atlantic breeze and limestone soils that provide minerality and freshness.

Aged with natural fermentation and respectful vinification, Vara y Pulgar 2022 has an intense cherry red color with violet hues. The nose displays notes of black fruits, spices, balsamic and a mineral background, denoting the influence of the soil. The palate is fresh, balanced and structured, with soft tannins and a vibrant acidity that makes it persistent and elegant.

Tintilla de Rota is a Spanish red grape variety native to the region of Cadiz, particularly the coastal town of Rota in Andalusia. It is genetically identical to the Graciano grape used in regions such as La Rioja, but in Cadiz it has a unique history and expression thanks to the local terroir, characterized by sandy soils over clay, which helped it survive phylloxera. The grape produces small, dark berries with high acidity and tannins, with little quantity but intense flavors. Historically, Tintilla de Rota was used to make dry and sweet red wines, popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in the United Kingdom. The sweet versions, often fortified with wine alcohol and sometimes sweetened with arrope (concentrated grape must), were traditionally made by late harvesting and sun drying (asoleo) to concentrate the sugars. These wines, oxidatively aged in oak barrels, develop complex aromas of dried figs, caramel, coffee and spices, with a balanced palate of sweetness, acidity and slight salinity due to the coastal proximity of Rota. They are usually full-bodied, with alcohol levels between 15 and 18%, and pair well with desserts such as pestiños, blue cheeses or foie gras, served at 12-14 °C.