We are pretty sure that after reading the title of this post you may be wondering “what about pitarra, what is it? Well, to solve this and other doubts, you just have to go ahead with the reading that we bring you today.
Pitarra wine is A true classic of Spanish oenology. However, its existence goes unnoticed by most consumers, because its production and distribution is very scarce, it is carried out by small family wineries. This exclusivity is precisely one of its main charms.
What is the pitarra and its origin
Of course, we could not talk about this wine without asking ourselves more about the pitarra and what it is. This curious word was used to refer to the small clay jars. Today, this is how home-made wines are known in Extremadura.
In view of the above, it is easy to understand that pitarra wine is one that is fermented in the jars of the same name. This practice is typical of Extremadura (although it also occurs in Toledo, Córdoba and Ávila) and is associated with small-scale artisanal winemaking.
The vat used as a container for these wines is relatively small and has an opening. Once the must has fermented in them (after 12-20 days), it is poured into another jar for pressing.
What is the origin of pitarra wine?
Once we have clarified what pitarra wine is, it is worth stopping to analyze its ancient origin. Did you know that these wines have been produced since pre-roman times?
It is considered that they were the civilizations Celts and Turdetans whatwho invented pitarra wine. This undeniable historical significance has earned it the Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) and can be marketed as Vino de la Tierra (VT) Extremadura.
Pitarra wine characteristics
Pitarra wine from Extremadura: tradition in its purest form
The artisan elaboration is closely linked to pitarra wine. Not surprisingly, this drink continues to respect the ancient practices that are typical of it, which gives it an unmistakable personality. After all, these are wines that hardly use chemicals.
When defining what is pitarra, we could already see that these wines are always identified with what home or family Certainly, its production is in the hands of small wineries, which distances them from industrial production.
What grapes is pitarra wine made from?
- The white pitarra wine (the most common) is made with white grapes belonging to the alarijes, borba and pedro ximénez varieties. It is also possible to find others made with pardina, cayetana and macabeo.
- He red pitarra wine It is prepared with red grapes of the Bobal, Garnacha and Cencibel (Tempranillo) varieties.
- the pink pitarra It is created by combining the white and red varieties just mentioned. Although it can also be done by removing the skins during the fermentation phase.
To this we must add that the new generations of winemakers have decided to modernize Pitarra wine from Extremadura by adding new varieties to its production. Such is the case with grapes chardonnay (for whites) ocabernet sauvignon (for the reds).
CATA’s notes
We must take into account that, being a 100% handmade wine, no two pitchers are the same. Certainly, its flavor and aroma will depend both on the vintage and on the winery that produces it. However, its characteristics can be summarized succinctly:
- Alcohol content above average.
- Intense aroma with fruity notes.
- Powerful flavor, but pleasant and smooth on the palate.
- Its characteristics remind us a lot of the talha: a Portuguese wine from Alentejo.
What are the advantages of the pitarra for wine
In the world of oenology, every detail counts. That is why the fact of using a pitarra for wine decisively marks its distinctive features. Thus, unlike wines preserved and aged in oak barrels, the clay jar enhances the following aspects:
- Reduces the astringency, the vegetable character and the bitterness of the wine.
- stimulates freshness, fruity character, smoothness and persistence Of the wine.
The clay with which the pitarra of the wine is made allows it to oxygenate it without diminishing its fruity flavor. Consequently, this method is ideal when it comes to making wines that preserve intact the aromas and flavors of the grape.
We cannot forget that, currently, the vast majority of wines use oak barrels for their conservation and aging. Consequently, the pitcher for wine has become something of a minority, which gives it a differentiating touch increasingly valued by lovers of oenology.
Now you know what to answer when someone asks you, “and what is that pitarra?” Besides a rather unique word, you just discovered an iconic Extremaduran wine that will conquer your palate from the first sip. Two for one!
