Arrayán Selección 2020

Arrayán farms organically in D.O. Méntrida, on the granite and sandy soils south of the Sierra de Gredos in Castilla La Mancha. This Bordeaux-led blend brings together Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot, varieties suited to the warm days and cool nights of the high central plateau, where the wide diurnal range slows ripening and keeps acidity in the fruit. The wine spends eleven months in oak barrels followed by twelve months in bottle before release. The barrel ageing allows slow oxygen exchange through the wood, softening the tannins drawn from the Cabernet and Petit Verdot skins and adding spice and vanilla, while the bottle time lets the components settle into a single frame. The colour is deep ruby. The nose carries ripe plum, red berries and black pepper over cedar and tobacco. The palate is full and structured, with firm tannins, dark chocolate and a savoury, oak-framed finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits roast beef, grilled lamb and aged hard cheeses.