Bestué Finca Santa Sabina Crianza 2023

Otto Bestué makes Finca Santa Sabina in DO Somontano, in Aragón where the land rises towards the Pyrenees. This crianza blends Cabernet Sauvignon, the region's leading variety, with Tempranillo. The foothill vineyards sit at altitude, where cool nights and warm days give a wide diurnal range that ripens the Cabernet fully while holding fresh acidity, and the stony soils lend structure. The wine ages for 14 months in barrel, which softens the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds vanilla and a light spice frame around the fruit, the Crianza ageing giving it shape without heaviness. The colour is deep red. The nose shows ripe plum and red fruit with black pepper, dried herbs and a touch of cocoa and vanilla from the oak. The palate is supple and balanced, with ripe, fine-grained tannins and a fresh savoury finish that reflects the cool mountain site. A versatile, approachable red. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees with roast and grilled meats.