As Covas 2023

As Covas is a single-variety Pinot Noir from Bodegas y Viñedos Rodrigo Méndez, the small family winery of winemaker Rodrigo Méndez, made in collaboration with Raúl Pérez. The pair have worked together on several Galician projects, including the well-known Goliardo. This is Pinot Noir of Atlantic expression, trained on espalier and planted on granite soil, which holds little water and keeps yields and vigour in check while lending a saline, mineral cut. The cool, damp Atlantic climate ripens the thin-skinned grapes slowly and preserves natural acidity, so the wine stays light and fresh at 12.5 percent. The grapes ferment in open vats, a gentle method that draws colour and aromatics without heavy extraction, and the wine then ages 11 months in used barrels, which round the texture without adding new oak character. The colour is pale ruby, the nose offers red cherry, redcurrant and rose petal over wet stone and earth. The palate is delicate and fresh, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a savoury, faintly smoky finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled. It suits poultry, game birds and salmon.