Abadía da Cova Fudre 2023

Abadía da Cova Fudre 2023 is a young, single-varietal Mencía from D.O. Ribeira Sacra, made by Adegas Moure in Lugo, Galicia. The harvest is done by hand into 20-kilogram boxes and the grapes are sorted on arrival, a careful start that protects the delicate fruit of this cool, steep Atlantic region. The grapes are macerated for six days to draw colour and gentle tannin, then the must ferments for a further eight days at below 28 degrees, a controlled temperature that preserves the fresh, aromatic red fruit. A malolactic fermentation follows, converting sharper malic acid into softer lactic acid and rounding the texture. The wine is left unclarified before bottling, keeping its natural fruit expression intact. The result is a bright, light red. The colour is a vivid ruby. The nose shows fresh red fruit, cherry and a floral lift over a peppery, stony base. The palate is light and fresh, with soft tannin, juicy acidity and a clean, mineral finish that reflects the region's slate soils. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 16 degrees. It works well with roast chicken, grilled salmon and charcuterie.