Mark Schiettekat has trumpeted the rallying cry promoting Spanish wine for over 40 years. The Belgian visionary — and 2023 Belgian Wine Personality of the Year — began his wine career marketing Spanish wines in 1983. Yet, it was a 1996 trip across Spain and ending in Calatayud that sealed the deal for Mark, as he fell in love with the people, the terroir and the wines, especially the gorgeous Garnachas (he is a self-described Garnacha freak!) It was this trip that motivated Mark to continue to travel the country, setting his sights on hunting for hidden gems secreted amongst the myriad of Spanish vineyards. His goal was and has been to craft authentic Spanish wines from indigenous varietals that showcase the essence of their origins. For over two decades, Mark traversed the Spanish wine territories producing genuine terroir wines under his Raíces Ibéricas umbrella. Raíces translates to roots and signifies the core of Mark's mission: exalting the ancestral ties between varietal and region, along with how each unique terroir imparts its own fingerprint on the resultant wines. Finally in 2020, Mark and Bodegas Raíces Ibéricas were able to put down their own roots — right where it all began — in Calatayud, where he acquired a vast property. Today, Bodegas Raíces Ibéricas consists of four ranges, including Las Pizarras, which intends to offer a snapshot of the marvelous Calatayud wine region in every sip.

Las Pizarras Viña Acered — 100% Garnacha — pours a deep ruby in the glass, displaying an eye-fluttering bouquet of cherry and black raspberry aromas tinged with hints of floral spice and red licorice. This medium-bodied Spanish stunner is bright and fresh on the attack followed by the presentation of a ravishing, dense core of dark berry flavors. Soft, enveloping tannins combine with a distinct earthy minerality providing an ideal runway to which all those lush fruits flavor cling. The Viña Acered coasts effortlessly toward a long, concentrated finish. This wine would be divine with carnitas street tacos, thinly-sliced flank steak or harissa-crusted lamp chops.