Barbazul 2023

Barbazul comes from Huerta de Albalá in Arcos de la Frontera, in the Vino de la Tierra de Cádiz, an unusual corner of Andalusia for serious red wine. The vineyards sit between the Bornos reservoir and the Sierra de Grazalema, a pocket that draws around 900 mm of rain a year and a marked temperature contrast between day and night. That diurnal swing slows ripening and holds acidity, while the Atlantic influence keeps the fruit fresh despite the southern latitude. The blend joins Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with Tintilla de Rota, a native variety recovered by the winery, all from estate vineyards and picked by hand. After fermentation the wine spends five months in French oak, enough to round the tannins and add spice without masking the fruit. It pours a deep ruby red. The nose leads with ripe black and red fruit, black pepper and liquorice over a savoury, earthy base, with vanilla and a light smokiness from the barrel. The palate is full and fleshy at 15 percent, carried by fresh acidity and supple tannin into a long, peppery finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, ideally decanted, alongside grilled and roasted meats.