Atteca Armas 2022

Atteca Armas comes from Bodega Ateca in Calatayud, part of the Juan Gil group, and is made entirely from Garnacha. The fruit is drawn from a small 2.5 hectare plot of vines more than 100 years old, whose very low yields give intensely concentrated grapes. They grow on poor soils of rock, gravel and slate clay, which drain freely and restrict vigour, while Calatayud's high, dry, continental climate drives the ripeness that pushes this wine to 16 percent alcohol. The grapes are aged eighteen months in French oak, a long maturation that integrates the high alcohol, softens the tannins through oxygen exchange and adds coffee, spice and a fine toast. It is deep, almost opaque red. The nose is intense, with ripe plum and dark berry fruit over roasted coffee, black pepper, nutmeg and dark chocolate. The palate is full bodied and powerful, the alcohol warming and the tannins ripe, with a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant ahead. It needs robust food such as grilled red meat and game.