Jorge Ordonez & Co Botani Moscatel Old Vines 2023

Description

Ordoñez’ white wines at are made from the ‘Muscat of Alexandria’ grape variety, and sourced from the geographical area of La Axarquia, in the mountains that run parallel to the Mediterranean Sea. The Muscat grape has been cultivated here for over 2,000 years. The vineyards are situated on partially decomposed red slate, intermingled with white quartz. The scant topsoil is punctuated by outcroppings of the mother rock. The soil makes cultivation very difficult here, and labour is very intense due to the steep, 40 to 60-degree inclines. The vineyards are non-terraced and are planted over 400 meters above sea level. Mechanical work is impossible due to the crumbly slate and steep mountainsides. The thin topsoil forces the vines to develop roots deep into the rock desperately searching for moisture, which also attributes to the distinct minerality found in the grapes they produce. Ordoñez’ vineyards range from 40 years old to well over 100 years old, the average being 70.

The dry 2024 Botani Moscatel Old Vines was sourced from 54 separate plots on steep slopes. It fermented in stainless steel and was kept in contact with the lees for four to five months. It has 14% alcohol, with a pH of 3.15, seven grams of acidity and a bone-dry finish. This was more difficult to read compared with the wines that had been in barrel; it’s more reductive, slightly medicinal and balsamic and needs time in bottle to recover. It has some floral and orange Moscatel notes, and the palate shows better, dense and powerful, with marked bitterness. 50,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2025. Wine Advocate 91 (2024)