Factor XPTO: Unique exceptional soil produces unique exceptional wine.

by three friends – Antonio Morenes from Jerez (based in the UK), George Byrne from Oxford, and Tommy de Wangen based in Jerez (and Owner of Viña Las Animas where the winery is located) – who share a passion for wine produced in the Appellation of Jerez and have over 20 years combined experience in the wine trade, the Diatomists team explore every corner of this southernmost point of Andalucia in search of winemakers committed to excellence.
Diatomist is the name given to those who master the art of diatom arrangement. Diatoms are single cell algae that create complex glass shells around themselves. 5 million years ago Jerez was under water which explains the unique and exceptional soil rich in diatom fossils.
These hidden microscopic marvels are essential for the vines to thrive in a hot climate with dry summers and sporadic heavy rainfall. The soils’ porosity locks in the moisture providing essential water reserves for the vines to thrive during the long and sunny growing-season. In fact, the quality of the soil can be quantified by its diatoms.
Diatomist is the name given to those who master the art of diatom arrangement. Diatoms are single cell algae that create complex glass shells around themselves. 5 million years ago Jerez was under water which explains the unique and exceptional soil rich in diatom fossils.
These hidden microscopic marvels are essential for the vines to thrive in a hot climate with dry summers and sporadic heavy rainfall. The soils’ porosity locks in the moisture providing essential water reserves for the vines to thrive during the long and sunny growing-season. In fact, the quality of the soil can be quantified by its diatoms.