Bruno Murciano Las Tintas 2023

Las Tintas is a barrel aged red from Utiel-Requena in inland Valencia, made by Bruno Murciano from the native Moravia Agria, Garnacha, Royal and Crujidera. Murciano, one of Spain's best known sommeliers, works to revive the region's indigenous varieties alongside his brother José Luis, aiming for a fresh, elegant style rather than a heavy one. Utiel-Requena is a high plateau west of Valencia, where altitude and a continental climate temper the Mediterranean heat, giving cold nights that hold acidity and lift the aromatics of these old local grapes. The chalky soils add a savoury, mineral note. The wine is made with respectful, sustainable farming and aged in barrel, the wood used to round the tannins and add structure without covering the fruit. The colour is medium ruby. The nose shows red berries, cherry and plum with dried herbs, pepper and an earthy, savoury edge. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, the tannins fine, the acidity bright through a herbal, savoury finish. Serve at 16 degrees. It suits grilled meats, pork and tomato based dishes.