NEGRO ROTO 2018

Origin and production philosophy

Negro Roto 2018 is an oxidized white wine from Andalusia, made from 100% Zalema. Its production follows natural and organic viticulture, respecting the history of century-old vineyards and local biodiversity. Limited to 700 bottles, every step from vineyard to winery highlights the unique terroir and character of the grape.

Vineyards and terroir

The vineyards cover 5 hectares on calcareous-clay soils, with vines averaging 100 years old. All vineyard work is manual, including pruning, thinning, and harvest. The soil is maintained under natural cover crops to preserve moisture and prevent erosion, ensuring optimal balance between vegetative growth and aromatic concentration.

Vinification and aging

Vinification is done via spontaneous fermentation without added yeasts or sulfites, emphasizing the authentic terroir expression. Aging occurs for 10 months under the “velo de flor” in used American oak barrels, followed by 10 additional months in the same barrels, adding aromatic complexity and structure with elegant oxidative notes.

Tasting notes

• Color: deep golden yellow with amber reflections

• Nose: almond, hazelnut, yeast, and subtle floral notes

• Palate: complex, full-bodied, persistent, balanced freshness with a mineral finish

Pairings and serving suggestions

Pairs perfectly with baked fish, shellfish, foie gras, and aged cheeses. Serving temperature: 12–14 °C.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Andalusia

• Variety: 100% Zalema

• Appellation: Oxidized White Wine

• Viticulture: natural, organic

• Harvest: manual

• Production: 700 bottles

• Aging: 10 months under “velo de flor” + 10 months in used barrels

• SO2 added: no

Garay – The Authentic Voice of Zalema

History and Origins

Mario Garay was born into a family deeply connected to wine: his paternal grandfather was an oenologist, while his maternal family had been winemakers for generations. Originally from Cacabelos, in Castilla y León, Mario moved to La Palma del Condado for love. There, he decided to create his own wine project, founding Bodegas Garay in 2013.

For years, Mario sold his grapes to local wineries, but feeling they could not truly enhance their potential, he chose to work independently. This decision gave life to a small artisanal estate, which today counts around 5 hectares of vineyards, with more to come, and stands out for its unique identity.

The Vineyard and Philosophy

The true star here is Zalema, an indigenous white grape variety of western Andalusia. Mario Garay cultivates the first certified organic Zalema vineyard by CAAE, a milestone that underlines his respect for nature.

The vineyards, with vines over 50 years old and some reaching a century, are located at 150 meters of altitude, on medium-fertility calcareous-clay soils. This terroir has always been highly suited to viticulture, and Garay expresses it in its purest form.

Garay’s approach is simple yet radical: natural viticulture with minimal intervention. The soils remain covered by spontaneous vegetation to retain moisture and prevent erosion. No systemic treatments are applied, and every vineyard task – pruning, thinning, harvesting – is carried out by hand.

Winemaking

Harvest takes place between late August and early September, with grapes handpicked into small 20 kg crates. After careful selection, the bunches are destemmed, and pressing is done manually with a small oak press, reflecting a deeply artisanal spirit.

The free-run must ferments spontaneously in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts, preserving the varietal character of Zalema.

Aging

Depending on the style Mario Garay aims to achieve, his wines undergo different aging processes:

• in American or French oak barrels, for added structure and complexity;

• in non-buried amphorae, to highlight purity and freshness;

• or under oxidation with a flor veil, recalling the great Andalusian winemaking tradition.

This diversity allows Garay to showcase all the nuances of Zalema, from its most elegant and mineral expression to its oxidative and profound soul.