Algueira Merenzao Risco 2021

Algueira works steep terraces above the Sil river in the D.O. Ribeira Sacra, in the northwest of Spain, where Fernando Algueira and Ana Perez recovered abandoned vineyards in Lugo. This wine is made from Merenzao, a scarce pale skinned variety also known as Trousseau, which gives a delicate, perfumed red closer in weight to a fine white than to a heavy red. The vineyards sit on slate and granite slopes so sharp that the work is done by hand, and the cool Atlantic influence with strong day to night temperature shifts preserves bright acidity and freshness. The wine spent six months in French oak, a short maturation that settles the tannin and adds a light spice without covering the fruit. The colour is pale ruby. The nose is floral and lifted, with red cherry, wild strawberry and a touch of pepper and dried herb, while the palate is light bodied and fresh, with fine tannin, vivid acidity and a clean, mineral finish. Serve slightly cool at 15 degrees, in a Burgundy glass. It pairs well with roast duck and mushroom dishes.