Zillamina Spanish Red 2023

Zillamina is a collaboration between Jenny & Francois and Bodegas Pinoso, located in Pinoso within the Alicante Denominación de Origen in Spain, embodies the essence of organic winemaking. Since 1997, their vineyards have been certified organic by both the USDA Organic and the Valencia Organic Agricultural Committee. The winery focuses on nurturing limestone-rich soils to cultivate its main grape varieties: Monastrell, Macabeo, and Airén. Their approach to winemaking is conscientious and eco-friendly, utilizing light fining and filtration methods that are certified vegan-friendly, along with minimal sulfur additions, ensuring a sustainable and authentic wine experience.

Valencia's Alicante DO stands as one of Spain's most historically significant yet evolving wine regions, located in the southeastern corner of the Valencia Community along the Mediterranean coast. This distinguished appellation showcases how ancient winemaking traditions can flourish alongside modern innovation in one of Europe's most dynamic wine territories.

Alicante has a long history of grape growing and wine production, likely introduced by the ancient Romans. The Golden Age of Alicante wines occurred during the 16th and 17th centuries, when they were imported to northern Europe by English, Swedish, and Flemish merchants. By the 15th century, Alicante's wines were famous throughout Europe, with the town of Monòver internationally renowned for its Fondillón wine. The region received DO status in 1957, initially permitting just four grape varieties, with the Consejo Regulador later expanding to include additional international varieties that have proven successful in the region's unique terroir.

The appellation divides into two distinct and separate subzones that reflect dramatically different climatic and geological conditions. La Marina occupies the coastal strip between Denia and Calpe in the north, enjoying a Mediterranean climate with hot summers averaging 30°C and mild winters around 13°C. This coastal area receives approximately 500mm of annual rainfall and benefits from maritime influences that moderate temperatures. The larger Vinalopó subzone extends inland along the river of the same name, encompassing towns from Villena to Pinoso. Here, the climate becomes markedly continental and dry, with only 300mm of annual rainfall, summer temperatures often exceeding 35°C, and frequent winter frosts. This climatic diversity allows for remarkable versatility in grape cultivation and wine styles.

Monastrell reigns as the predominant grape variety, particularly thriving in the hot, dry conditions of the Vinalopó subzone where it produces robust, full-bodied red wines. The coastal La Marina area specializes in Moscatel de Alejandría, which achieves high must weights in the warm conditions and forms the foundation for the region's traditional dessert and fortified wines. Other authorized varieties include Alicante Bouschet, Bobal, Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot for reds, while whites include Macabeo, Airén, Merseguera, and Chardonnay. The soils vary from sandy loam to clay with high porosity and excellent drainage, particularly along the Vinalopó banks where they become loose and sandy with minimal organic material.

Alicante's crown jewel remains Fondillón, a unique traditional dessert wine made from overripe Monastrell grapes aged for a minimum of eight years in oak barrels, often using solera systems similar to sherry production. This wine can range from dry to sweet depending on the grapes used and represents centuries of winemaking heritage. The region also produces exceptional Moscatel wines, with some earning royal recognition at Spanish state banquets. Modern Alicante has embraced quality over quantity, with younger generations of winemakers utilizing advanced technology and better understanding of terroir to create wines that compete internationally while maintaining their distinctive Mediterranean character.

Today, Alicante represents a fascinating intersection of tradition and innovation, where ancient varieties like Monastrell and time-honored techniques like Fondillón production coexist with modern viticulture and international grape varieties. The region continues to build its reputation as a source of exceptional value wines that express the unique terroir of Spain's Mediterranean coast, offering wine enthusiasts both historical treasures and contemporary discoveries in every bottle.