Barahonda Organic Barrica 2023

Barahonda Organic Barrica comes from the D.O. Yecla in Murcia, made by the Barahonda winery from a blend of Monastrell and Syrah farmed entirely organically, the wine also certified vegan. The Monastrell comes from forty year old vines and the Syrah from twenty year old plantings. Yecla is a hot, dry inland appellation, and Monastrell, the grape known elsewhere as Mourvèdre, is suited to it, ripening late and fully to give deep colour, ripe dark fruit and a savoury structure, while the limestone soils and the altitude hold enough freshness for balance. The old Monastrell vines crop little and give concentration, and the Syrah adds colour, pepper and lift. After a careful selection the wine ferments and then ages six months in French oak, the barrel rounding the tannins and adding a light spice while keeping the fruit forward. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe cherry, blackberry and red plum with black pepper and a touch of vanilla. The palate is full bodied and warming, the tannins ripe, the finish savoury. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits grilled meats and stews.