Azul y Garanza Suelo Vivo Tinto 2024

Azul y Garanza is run by Maria, Fer and Dani in the Navarrese town of Carcastillo, where they farm organically with a strong focus on biodiversity and natural winemaking. Suelo Vivo, meaning living soil, is made from Garnacha Tinta, the warm-climate red grape of northern Spain. The vineyards lie on the edge of the Bardenas Reales semi-desert, where poor, stony soils and a dry continental climate keep yields low and flavours concentrated while the cool nights preserve freshness. The wine is made with minimal intervention and aged for around six months in old stone lagares and concrete, vessels that allow the wine to settle without adding any oak flavour or tannin. This keeps the focus on Garnacha's bright, pure fruit. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose shows red berries, cherry and redcurrant with thyme, dried herbs and an earthy, peppery edge. The palate is light to medium bodied, juicy and fresh, with soft tannins and a clean, savoury finish. Serve cool at 14 to 15 degrees. It is an easy, food-friendly red that can be served lightly chilled.