In Rioja, Spain, Alberto Ramirez has been a key player in the drive towards sustainability. His vineyards are cultivated organically, his winery is solar powered and—perhaps most importantly—he’s been working to revive indigenous grape varieties. Pica Zabal, a rich and concentrated blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and the nearly extinct Maturana, is a mere sip of his efforts.

To make the wine, he worked with renowned vineyard consultant and enologist Juan-Antonio Leza, who helped him select the best of best grapes. While Tempranillo and Graciano grow widely throughout the region, Maturana is extremely rare, thought by some to be the area’s oldest variety.

Known to create wines with high acidity, firm tannins and blackcurrant flavors like those of Cab Sauvignon, it’s both heat tolerant and resistant to a plethora of plant diseases—both sought-after qualities in a changing climate.

On Juan-Antonio ‘s recommendation, he chose grapes from Rioja Oriental’s high-altitude plantings. There, warmth from extended sunshine hours encourages ripening and creates extra lush flavors. The resulting wine is rather voluptuous on the palate, with velvet-like fruit flavors of blackberry, mulberry and raspberry framed by spice and dark chocolate.

Just 1,000 cases of the wine were produced (and each bottle is individually numbered!), so stocks are limited. Don’t miss it!