Veronica Ortega Quite 2023

Verónica Ortega Quite 2023 is an expressive and refined red wine crafted from old Mencía vines grown in the clay and sand soils of Valtuille de Abajo. Winemaker Verónica Ortega combines organic viticulture with artisanal winemaking, aging the wine in large French oak barrels and amphorae to accentuate freshness and varietal purity. The bouquet opens with vivid aromas of ripe wild cherries, redcurrants, and dark plums, accompanied by floral accents of violet and subtle hints of crushed stone minerals. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, silky, and energetic, displaying bright acidity, supple tannins, and a long, mineral-driven finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs wonderfully with roasted lavender-herb chicken, classic cured Spanish charcuterie, savory wild mushroom tapas, grilled pork skewers, or aged sheep's milk cheese.

94 Points - James Suckling

Fruit-forward but serious, showing blackberries, cranberries, redcurrants and plums, with a touch of violets. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, round and approachable, with polished yet precise tannins that linger. From old head-pruned vineyards. 10% whole-cluster fermentation. Great value. Drink now.

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The red 2023 Quite was still produced with grapes from Valtuille de Abajo, but the intention is that in the future it will also have some grapes from Cobrana. It fermented with a small percentage of full clusters, depending on the plot, with a short maceration and aged for two winters—the first vintage to do so first in oak vats—and then six more months in 500-liter barrels, because she considers that being from clay and iron soils, it needs a longer élevage, after which it feels more polished. It's more perfumed and floral, finer-boned and still quite young. It's quite varietal, juicy and more elegant than in previous years, sleeker and more polished and showing some minerality. It comes in at 13.5% alcohol, with a pH of 3.5 and 5.2 grams of acidity. It's versatile and easy to drink. 28,000 bottles were filled in March 2025.