Barahonda Crianza 2022

Barahonda Crianza is a red wine from D.O. Yecla in Murcia, made by the Barahonda winery from a blend of Monastrell, Syrah and Petit Verdot. The Monastrell, which forms the backbone, comes from vines over fifty years old, while the Syrah and Petit Verdot are drawn from younger plots of twenty to twenty five years. Yecla has a continental climate with cold winters and hot dry summers, conditions that suit the late ripening Monastrell and push it to full ripeness and high natural sugar, which accounts for the wine's depth and warmth. The wide swing between day and night temperature preserves acidity and aromatic lift in an otherwise hot site. After fermentation the blend ages twelve months in French and American oak, softening the tannins through gradual oxygenation and adding spice and toast. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe plum and blackberry, violet, black pepper and a thread of dried herb. The palate is full and warming, with ripe fruit, supple tannins and a peppery, liquorice tinged finish. The wine is vegan. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees with grilled and roasted meats.