Jerez-Xérès-Sherry, Spain
Collantes
Primitivo Collantes is a great example of the new generation of natural sherry wine in Chiclana de la Frontera.
The winery is strategically located in the Atlantic area on the coasts of Cadiz, known for its albariza soil. It is a white chalky-looking soil typical of the southern region of Jerez. It appears white in summer, and has the characteristic of drying without caking, and high moisture retention, slowly releasing moisture to the vines during the growing season.
Primitivo, is the fourth generation of his family to make wine in Chiclana and has been known in the sherry world for making intriguing wines. Primi is at the forefront of the Vino de Pasto movement, a collective project of passionate winemakers who believe that the future of Jerez lies in increased quality, reduced scale and embracing the unique character of the region. Vino de Pasto, also called natural sherry, refers to white wines sharing some of the same winemaking traditions as classic sherry, with the major difference of not being fortified. They are fresher, brighter in the glass and are made to be drunk more regularly than classic sherry. Vino de Pasto are a reflection of their terroir (unique soil and climate) and also focus on indigenous varieties.
It is also important to note that Primi only uses estate fruit and the winery is certified organic.
Today the wines of Chiclana are being rediscovered by curious wine enthusiasts, and the future is looking bright in a market hungry for new products.