Lecciones de Vuelo 2019

The Winemaker

As the name suggests “Flying Lessons”, exploring life and the vine without limits! Another single vineyard wine coming mostly from ungrafted vines of an average age of 140 years (therefore pre-phylloxera). The third guest guest for Flight Lessons was Galician Born Fredi Torres. He moved to Switzerland when he was five before returning back to his homeland and launching his own brand in 2013. In Fredi’s own words “Happiness and jokes are not at odds with seriousness or professionalism.”

Navarra DO

Navarra is a wine region in northern Spain, known for its diverse and high-quality wines. It is situated in the Ebro River basin, south of the Pyrenees Mountains, and shares borders with France to the northeast. The region has a rich history of winemaking, with evidence of vine cultivation dating back to the Roman era.

Terroir & Innovation

The region’s diverse geography, which includes plains, valleys, and mountains, contributes to the variety of wines produced. Different microclimates and soil types create ideal conditions for growing various grape varieties.

Navarra has a balance of traditional winemaking practices and a willingness to experiment with modern techniques. This combination allows winemakers to create wines that reflect both the region’s heritage and contemporary trends.

Vintage

This is a complex vintage, winter was mild but spring was very rainy and cold. Flowering and veraison were 20 days later than previous vintage, although due to the high temperatures in September, the delay was compensated in 2 weeks. Rain was the most prominent element of the vintage after 2 years of water deficit but there was an extra effort in the vineyard management. At the end we can say It was a historically fresh and good vintage.

This was produced with Garnacha grapes from the ancient Pontigos vineyard, where the soils are stony and rich in limestone. The grapes from this vineyard are also used to produce the wine Señora de las Alturas, and this is faintly riper.

Vinification

It fermented in a 1,000-liter tanks 100% whole bunches, 5% of them were white varieties using only natural yeasts and and later matured in a 700-liter concrete Nomblot egg and a used 500-liter oak barrel for 15 months.

Wine

This is earthier, with notes of flint stone/gunpowder, a little more rustic than the more aerial Señora de las Alturas. It has a bright red ruby ​​color and a bright red nose with a mixture of wild berries, flowers and herbs that is quite attractive but also subtle. There’s purity and balance; The wine seems fragile, but it’s well built. It has pungent and lasting flavors and finishes very clean and precise.

There is great finesse. It has an impactful label, a fun combination of the Zorzal bird and a Swiss Army knife. 1,450 bottles were filled in February 2021. Pair with pasta, pulses, cured meats and charcuterie and any type of grilled meat.

Ideal serving temperature 16ºC.

Viña Zorzal Wines Brand Page

Viña Zorzal Website