Bobos Finca Casa La Borracha 2023

Bobos Finca Casa La Borracha comes from Hispano-Suizas in the D.O. Utiel-Requena, the upland plateau inland from Valencia where Bobal is the historic grape. The site sits at altitude on limestone and clay soils, and the harsh continental climate of the Requena hills, with hot days and cold nights, ripens the thick-skinned Bobal while preserving its firm acidity and deep colour. This single-vineyard red is aged ten months in oak, a moderate élevage that rounds the tannins and adds light spice without burying the fruit, while slow oxygen exchange in barrel fixes the colour. It is deep ruby with violet reflections, showing a nose of ripe dark fruit, undergrowth and elegant toasted oak. The palate is medium to full bodied, with plum and red cherry fruit, fresh acidity, fine grippy tannins and a savoury, lightly peppery finish that reflects the altitude and the grape. The shorter oak ageing keeps it bright and food friendly. Serve at 16 degrees, in a Burgundy glass, decanting briefly if young. It suits grilled meats, mushroom dishes and tomato-based cooking.