A Pie de Tierra El Surco 2024

A Pie de Tierra is the project of sommelier Aitor Paul and winemaker David Villamiel, working in D.O. Méntrida in Castilla La Mancha, just south of the Sierra de Gredos. El Surco is built around Garnacha grown on granite soils, a terroir that gives the variety freshness and aromatic lift rather than weight, with poor sandy ground and warm days tempered by cool nights preserving acidity and perfume. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically and the wine is made naturally, fermented with native yeasts and handled gently to keep the fruit and minerality clear. Ten months in oak barrels rounds the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds a light savoury spice without dominating the granite character. The colour is bright medium ruby. The nose shows raspberry and red cherry over crushed pepper, wild thyme and a stony, earthy note. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, with juicy acidity, fine chalky tannins and a mineral, herb-tinged finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. It works well with grilled and roast meats and earthy vegetable dishes.