Poetry does not emerge ex nihilo. To forge groundbreaking concepts, a poet must nourish themselves with an array of materials to work with. As Thomas Edison once eloquently put it, "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." A scrutiny of the literary corpus of the Bercian Antonio Estévez reveals that he was a pioneer in themes such as solidarity, equality, and feminism. Following the military coup against the republican government, he was compelled to forsake his family and home, never to return. Yet, even in exile, his pen did not cease to flow. In distant lands, Antonio Estévez discovered fresh wellsprings of inspiration and motivation, and through his verses, he articulated a deep longing for his homeland. It is with this profound sense of belonging that the Estévez family has launched a series of wines in his tribute, named Versos. These are singular parcel wines, the fruit of the finest plots of Valtuille de Abajo, in Castile and León, Spain.
In the case of Estévez Bodegas y Viñedos Versos La Vitoriana, it is born from one of the most prized sites in the area. Vineyards that, due to their climatic, soil, and topographical conditions, promote the healthy growth of vines and the production of high-quality grapes. A blend of mencía with subtle contributions of alicante bouschet and palomino from 95-year-old vineyards, on clay soils with stone and quartz, located at an elevation of approximately 500 meters above sea level. Sustainable farming practices are adhered to, and the harvest is manually carried out at the optimal moment of ripeness. In the winery, the grapes ferment with 15% whole cluster and indigenous yeasts in 1,000-liter stainless steel tanks. Subsequently, malolactic fermentation and aging take place in well-seasoned 225-liter French oak barrels.
The product of one of the oldest vineyards in the village and one of the most sought-after in the region, Estévez Bodegas y Viñedos Versos La Vitoriana is a wine that is fresh, profound, and refined. A Bercian Grand Cru inspired by those like Antonio Estévez, who cherished their land deeply, even from afar.