Playlist’s Song Pairing:
Mulatu Astatke, the father of Ethio-jazz, was born in the western Ethiopian city of Jimma. He intertwines the diverse jazz landscapes of London, New York City, and Boston with traditional Ethiopian music, resulting in the unique blend that made him a figure in the music world.
"Yègellé Tezeta," from his 2010 album "Timeless Mulatu Astatke," is a journey into the heart of Ethio-jazz. As the song unfolds, you can almost taste the bold flavors of El Marciano, the vibrant rhythm of the track pulsating in harmony with the powerful acidity and intense black fruit of the wine. The nuanced layers of the music, like the complex flavors of the wine, create an immersive experience that's as enchanting as it is unforgettable.
Alfredo Maestro
El Marciano
Source: Jose Pastor Selections
Region: Ribera del Duero, Spain
Vintage: 2010
Grapes: Garnacha
Color: Red
In the alien terrain of Navarredondilla, cradled in the Sierra de Gredos mountains, something earthly takes root. Winemaker Alfredo Maestro conjures El Marciano, a bewitching Garnacha wine from 70-year-old vines, nurtured by granitic bedrock and high-altitude air. With a reputation for UFO sightings, Navarredondilla adds a touch of the extraterrestrial to the vineyard's tale, giving El Marciano its name and fun backstory.
El Marciano is more than wine; it's the life force of old-vine Garnacha in a distinct microclimate. A mix of crushed and whole grapes undergo natural fermentation and French oak aging, resulting in elegant character. It offers a dance of blackberry and cinnamon, propped up by robust acidity, a masterful blend of strength and elegance that is as delicious as it is fascinating.
