El Hato y El Garabato Otro Cuento 2018 white

El Hato y El Garabato Otro Cuento 2018 is an intriguing Spanish white that rewrites the story of what this region’s wines can be. Crafted from old-vine, indigenous varieties Doña Blanca and Puesta en Cruz, it delivers a surprising blend of freshness, spice, and texture at just 12.5% alcohol. Grown on granite-sand soils in the remote Arribes region on the border with Portugal, this wine showcases a distinctive mineral-driven profile that sets it apart from more conventional Spanish whites.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Otro Cuento 2018 shows a pale to medium straw-yellow hue with a subtle golden glint, hinting at both freshness and some textural depth. The nose opens with ripe apple and crisp green pear – the apple lending body and juiciness, while the pear floats above with a lifted, almost perfumed quality. Layers of caramel popcorn add a whisper of sweetness and toast, balanced by a gentle herbal note that keeps the wine feeling savoury and complex rather than rich or heavy. On the palate, the wine is light on its feet yet flavour-packed, with a core of fresh orchard fruit framed by bright, crunchy acidity. The granite-sand terroir contributes a precise, saline mineral streak that runs through the mid-palate, giving definition and length. A fine, almost discreet creaminess softens the edges and adds a tactile, rounded mouthfeel, while a subtle grip on the finish provides structure and tension. This 2018 has the freshness to drink beautifully now, but the vibrant acidity and mineral backbone suggest it can develop more nuance over the next 3–5 years, gaining further complexity in the bottle.

Production
Otro Cuento is sourced from at least 50-year-old bush vines of Doña Blanca and Puesta en Cruz planted in the rugged Arribes landscape, right on the Spanish-Portuguese border. The vineyards sit on poor, well-drained granitic sand soils that naturally limit yields and intensify flavour, while the continental climate with Atlantic influence preserves acidity and aromatic precision. Grapes are typically harvested by hand to ensure careful selection of these old, low-yielding vines. In the cellar, the must is gently pressed and fermented with a focus on preserving varietal character and freshness, likely with controlled temperatures and minimal intervention. A short period of aging on fine lees helps build that subtle creaminess and textural complexity without masking the wine’s tension, minerality, and distinctive regional identity.

Food & Serving
This is a versatile food wine that works especially well with dishes that echo its fresh fruit, herbal notes, and gentle creaminess. Try it with grilled or baked white fish, marinated octopus, simple seafood tapas, or clams in a light white wine and herb broth. It also pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, lemon and herb pork dishes, vegetable paella, and soft to semi-hard cheeses such as young Manchego or goat’s cheese. Serve well-chilled at around 9–11°C (48–52°F) to highlight its bright acidity and mineral edge. Decanting is not essential, but pouring it into a larger glass and giving it a few minutes to open will help reveal its more complex herbal and popcorn notes.

Producer
El Hato y El Garabato is a small, dynamic producer in Arribes, a little-known DO tucked along the Duero River where Spain meets Portugal. The project is driven by a commitment to preserving old vineyards and reviving native grape varieties that might otherwise disappear, often working with very old, low-yielding vines on poor granitic soils. In a region historically overshadowed by more famous Spanish appellations, El Hato y El Garabato has become one of the key names showing the potential of Arribes for characterful, terroir-driven wines. Their work with local varieties like Doña Blanca and Puesta en Cruz, along with a minimal-intervention approach in both vineyard and cellar, has earned the estate increasing recognition among adventurous sommeliers and wine enthusiasts seeking authentic, distinctive expressions of Spain’s forgotten corners.

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