Keen to get Brits more into Spanish wine, chef José Pizarro has launched his own range of wines from the village of Arcos de la Frontera in Andalusia.
Shunning native grapes in favour of international varieties, Pizarro’s range includes a 2017 Chardonnay and a 2016 Syrah blend made in the province of Cadiz.
According to Pizarro, the Chardonnay boasts aromas of “white flowers, citrus fruits, peach and aromatic herbs”, and offers “intense fruit, minerality, saltiness and a long finish” on the palate.
The Syrah blend meanwhile, contains 20% Tintilla de Rota and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, leading to aromas of “blackberries, cacao, leather, spices and vanilla”.
Pizarro says the Syrah, which spends six months in two-year-old French oak barrels, offers “red fruit, balanced acidity and a long and elegant finish”.
The wines are made at Bodega Huerta de Albalá in Arcos de la Frontera, which produces a range of wines including a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tintilla de Rota.
“Together with the team at Huerta de Albalá we have created two wines that I am very proud of.
“I’m passionate about promoting Spanish wines, Cava and Sherries in my restaurants and hopefully in the near future they will be easily accessible in grocery stores and wine merchants throughout London,” said Pizarro.
The wine range comes a month after Pizarro launched his own brand of 100% extra virgin olive oil produced from the rare Morisca variety.
José Pizarro Chardonnay retails for £16 and the Syrah Cuvvè for £18 on the chef’s website, and the duo are on pour at all of his London restaurants.
