Ancestralopitekus Orange Verdejo Bodegas Parra Jimenez 2024

Region
The high altitude, great plain of La Mancha, to the south of Madrid and east of
Toledo, represents the largest viticultural area of Spain. The climate is arid, extreme
in both summer and winter, tempered by strong prevailing winds. The widely planted
white Arien grape variety is slowly losing favour to Tempranillo, Shiraz and Garnacha
and the old wineries are giving way to gleaming modern facilities heralding a
revolution for the region`s winemaking.

Producer
Bodegas Parra Jiménez was established in 1993 by the three Parra brothers, who
pioneered organic viticulture in the region. In 2008 they went further pursuing their
passion for the environment, adapting Biodynamic agriculture and on top of this they
are free from pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilisers. The family also farm
grains, garlic, cereals and sheep. A Biodynamic approach helps to form a closed
sustainable and biodiverse ecosystem, the grains help feed the livestock, which in
turn fertilize the crops. The endangered black sheep species they keep are used to
make delicious local Manchego cheese. The estate is in the hands of the younger
generation, Pablo Parra, who has steered the winery towards minimal intervention
winemaking and who is very enthusiastic about continuing the biodynamic
philosophy.

Tasting Notes
Made from biodynamically farmed Verdejo grapes this orange wine from La Mancha
is a great entry into the world of orange wine. Fermented with ambient yeasts on the
skins for 10 days and aged in very large French oak vats for 6 months. The wine is
only partially filtered and has an attractive cloudy amber colour. Lees aging helps
round out the wine, creating a smooth and complex finished wine. Subtle vanilla and
spice along with delicate aromas of peach and orange are complimented by savoury,
peppery notes on the palate.

Food
Serve as an aperitif or with light salmon or chicken dishes with nutty grains