Ad Libitum Monastel 2023

Ad Libitum Monastel is an organic red from D.O.Ca. Rioja made by Juan Carlos Sancha in Baños del Río Tobía, in the Najerilla valley of Rioja Alta. Sancha farms 5.5 hectares organically and has led the recovery of the area's old varieties, among them Monastel, an almost-lost local grape grown here as a single varietal. The fruit comes from a south-facing vineyard planted at 560 metres above sea level, where altitude brings cool nights and a long growing season that preserve acidity and floral aromatics, while the southern aspect gives the late variety enough sun to ripen. The grapes are picked by hand. After fermentation the wine spends 11 months in oak, used barrels that frame the fruit without weighing it down. The colour is bright mid-ruby. The nose is perfumed, with fresh red berries, cherry and redcurrant over a clear earthy, herbal edge and a touch of rose. The palate is light to medium bodied with fine tannin and lively acidity, the finish fresh and savoury. At 13 percent it stays light on its feet. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled if you like. Good with poultry and lighter meats.