4 Monos Cien Lanzas Tinaja 2021

Cien Lanzas Tinaja comes from 4 Monos Viticultores in the Sierra de Gredos, the high granite range west of Madrid. The vines sit on decomposed granite at altitude, where a wide gap between warm days and cold nights preserves acidity and gives these mountain Garnachas their fresh, perfumed character. This bottling is built around clay rather than wood. The wine spends twelve months in tinajas, traditional clay amphorae that let it breathe through the porous walls without adding any oak flavour, so the fruit stays pure and the texture stays light. Garnacha Tinta and Cariñena are joined by a touch of Garnacha Blanca, which lifts the aromatics further. The result is bright ruby, with cherry, raspberry and redcurrant on the nose, peppery spice and a floral note, and a clear granite minerality. The palate is light and fresh, the tannins soft, the finish savoury and stony. This is sustainable farming and a traditional method given a modern reading. Serve at 15 degrees Celsius. It suits roast chicken, grilled pork and mushroom dishes.