Botani Garnacha 2024

Botani Garnacha is a red from Jorge Ordóñez in D.O. Sierras de Málaga, the first varietal Garnacha made in the appellation. The grapes come from 25-year-old vines in the village of Axarquía in the mountains above the coast, grown organically at around 700 metres of altitude. The high, continental setting gives very cold winters, hot summers and wide day-to-night temperature differences, a diurnal swing that ripens Garnacha while holding acidity and aromatic freshness. The soils are sandy with clay and silt, free-draining and low in vigour, which keeps yields modest and concentrates flavour. Grapes are hand-harvested in mid-September. Garnacha is a thin-skinned variety that gives bright red fruit, moderate tannin and a warm, spicy character, and the wine sees a period in oak that adds gentle vanilla and spice while the fruit stays forward. The colour is bright, medium ruby. The nose shows ripe red berries and plum over black pepper, dried herbs and a savoury, earthy edge. The palate is medium to full-bodied at 14 percent, rounded and fresh, with soft tannins and a warm, herb-tinged finish. Serve at 16 degrees. It suits roast lamb and grilled vegetables.