Who makes it
Patrick Mata and enologist Alberto Orte started Bodegas Poniente after creating Compañía de Vinos del Atlántico. Orte began producing fortified wine in the Marco de Jerez in 2015, drawing on his family's tradition of solera wines.
Bodegas Poniente is their Jerez generoso project, while Compañía de Vinos del Atlántico covers a multi region company and portfolio. Since 2016, the project has produced its own must from organically farmed selections of more than 200 old Palomino Fino clones.
Where it grows
The Jerez holdings centre on Viña San Cristóbal, spanning the Añina and Balbaína pagos. The partners acquired the 16 hectares between 2011 and 2012.
Whites and reds are vinified at Viña San José. Generosos are aged at El Aljibe, a rural mansion among vines that dates to the early nineteenth century. The two locations separate still wine production from the long ageing of fortified wines.
What they make
The generoso range includes Bodegas Poniente Fino Saca 1/23, Bodegas Poniente Olorosso Saca 1/23, Bodegas Poniente Palo Cortado Saca 1/23 and Bodegas Poniente Amontillado Saca 1/23. Together they cover the four classic Jerez styles, made in extremely small quantities with one saca each year.
The generosos mature in 1,000 litre butts, twice the usual capacity. The larger vessels slow the wine's development. Vara y Pulgar Tintilla 2023 is a Cádiz red, while Vara y Pulgar Blanco 2024 is a Cádiz white, placing still wines beside the fortified range.