Bernabeleva Arroyo del Tórtolas 2023

Arroyo del Tórtolas is a red from the D.O. Vinos de Madrid, made by Bernabeleva from a single just over one hectare plot of Garnacha in the Sierra de Gredos. The vines are around sixty five years old and the plot lies at eight hundred metres on a north facing slope, farmed organically. The soils are granitic, shallow and low in fertility, which restricts vigour and gives a grape with greater concentration of flavour and a clear sense of place. The north facing aspect and high altitude moderate the ripening, so the fruit holds acidity and aromatic freshness through a long, even season. Twelve months in French oak rounds the tannins and adds breadth while keeping the focus on the fruit. The wine is medium bodied and perfumed, with red berries, cherry and wild herbs over a stony, peppery base and a floral lift. The granite gives it a cool, mineral line, and the tannins are fine and savoury through a long finish. Serve at fifteen to sixteen degrees, lightly cooled, and a young bottle benefits from time open. It works with roast poultry, duck, lamb and earthy mushroom dishes.