2023 Zopilote – Viñas del Tigre Red Wine – 12.8% ABV | 750ml

The 2023 Zopilote by Viñas del Tigre is a distinctive Mexican red wine crafted by winemaker Aldo C. Quesada Lucero. This vintage is a light-bodied, complex claret-style blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Moscatel, bringing together red and white grapes for an expressive and unconventional wine. Made from organically farmed grapes grown near the Sierra de Juárez National Park south of Valle de San Vicente, this limited-production release reflects the unique character of its vintage. With just 109 cases produced worldwide, Zopilote offers an intriguing expression of Mexican winemaking.

Key Details

Wine Type: Red Wine (Claret-Style Blend)

Producer: Viñas del Tigre (Vinos del Tigre)

Winemaker: Aldo C. Quesada Lucero

Vintage: 2023

Blend: 60% Malbec, 40% Moscatel

Origin: Valle de San Vicente, Baja California, Mexico

Alcohol Content: 12.8% ABV

Farming: Organic and sustainable

Fermentation: Native yeast

Sulfites: No sulfites added

Production: 109 cases produced, with 40 allocated to the United States

Drinking Window: Upon release through approximately four years after release

Process & Production

The grapes for the 2023 vintage were harvested by hand on September 27 in small lots to help prevent bruising. Sourced from a privately owned organic ranch at the base of Sierra de Juárez National Park, the vineyards were planted in 2018 in soils composed of sand and iron-rich red clay.

The Malbec and Moscatel grapes were co-fermented in stainless steel, with a partial addition of Moscatel skins for three days. The wine was then racked off the skins and allowed to complete fermentation over an additional 21 days. After being separated from the lees, it remained in tank for six months to settle and complete malolactic fermentation before bottling.

Following the producer's natural winemaking approach, fermentation relied on native yeasts. The wine received no corrections, was neither fined nor filtered, and had no sulfites added at any stage of production.

Appearance

A light-bodied red wine with a character shaped by its unusual combination of red and white grape varieties.

Tasting Notes

Nose: An expressive, complex aromatic profile reflecting the combination of Malbec and Moscatel.

Palate: Light-bodied and layered, with a distinctive character created by the co-fermentation of red and white grapes.

Finish: Fresh and approachable, making it well suited to enjoying upon release.

What Makes It Special

The Zopilote label allows Viñas del Tigre to explore each vintage freely, embracing exceptional grapes and the unique circumstances of a particular growing season rather than following a fixed recipe. For 2023, the opportunity to work with grapes from two organically farmed vineyards new to the winemaker resulted in this distinctive claret-style blend. Its small production, natural winemaking methods, and unconventional grape combination make it a noteworthy expression of Baja California wine.

How to Enjoy

Serve slightly chilled to highlight its light-bodied character and complexity. Pair it with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, charcuterie, mild cheeses, or dishes featuring herbs and earthy flavors. It can be enjoyed upon release, with a suggested drinking window extending approximately four years after release.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grapes are used in the 2023 Zopilote?

It is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Moscatel.

Where is this wine produced?

It comes from organically farmed vineyards near the Sierra de Juárez National Park, south of Valle de San Vicente in Baja California, Mexico.

Are sulfites added?

No. According to the producer's information, no sulfites were added during the winemaking process.

Is the wine filtered?

No. The wine is neither fined nor filtered.

How much was produced?

Only 109 cases were made, with 40 cases allocated to the United States.

When should it be enjoyed?

The suggested drinking window begins upon release and extends approximately four years.

Brand Story

Viñas del Tigre, also known as Vinos del Tigre, is a Mexican wine producer whose Zopilote label provides room for vintage-specific experimentation. Rather than adhering to a rigid formula, the label highlights distinctive grapes and opportunities that emerge from each harvest. The 2023 release showcases this philosophy through its unusual Malbec and Moscatel blend, organic vineyard sourcing, and minimal-intervention winemaking.

2023 Zopilote – Viñas del Tigre

The 2023 Zopilote is a limited-production Mexican wine that combines Malbec and Moscatel in a light-bodied, complex claret-style blend. Made with organically farmed grapes, native yeast fermentation, and no added sulfites, this release captures the adventurous spirit of Viñas del Tigre and the distinctive character of the 2023 vintage.