Bodegas Ponce Buena Pinta 2024

Bodegas Ponce is a family project in Manchuela, in Castilla-La Mancha, founded by Juan Antonio Ponce to champion the region's own grapes, among them the endangered Moravia Agria. Buena Pinta blends Garnacha with Moravia Agria, a high-acid local variety that keeps the wine fresh and light. The Manchuela climate is continental with very low humidity and almost no rain between May and September, moderated by the Levant winds off the Mediterranean, which cool the vineyards and preserve acidity in the fruit. Farming is respectful, in keeping with Ponce's low-intervention outlook. Eleven months in French oak rounds the tannin and adds a little spice while keeping the wine's brightness intact. At 12.5% this is a fresh, light-bodied red. The colour is bright ruby. The nose is red berries, cherry and red currant, with black pepper, dried herbs and a stony, earthy note. The palate is juicy and light, the acidity lively and the tannins fine, closing clean and savoury. Serve at 14 to 15 degrees, lightly chilled. It suits poultry, pork and mushroom and tomato dishes.