Albamar Fusco 2024

Albamar is a family winery founded around 25 years ago in Cambados, in the Rías Baixas, and is best known for minimal-intervention Albariño with a strong Atlantic character. Fusco is a departure: a red wine made from Mencía grown inland in the Ribeira Sacra, far from the coast, on the steep terraced slopes that define the region. The slate and schist soils there are poor and free-draining, forcing the vines to root deep and keeping yields low, while altitude and cool nights preserve acidity and the grape's peppery, floral lift. The winemaking is deliberately restrained. The wine is fermented and then aged six months on its lees in stainless steel rather than oak, the extended lees contact adding texture and a subtle savoury depth while keeping the fruit fresh and the wine free of wood character. At 12.5 percent the result is light on its feet. The colour is bright ruby with a violet edge. The nose shows red cherry, redcurrant and a herbal, peppery note, and the palate is light to medium bodied, juicy and mineral, with fine tannins and a stony finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled. It suits grilled pork, roast chicken and mushroom dishes.