Can Leandro La Lloma 2023

Brothers Gabriel and Alberto Sanchis Mestre make Can Leandro near Ontinyent, inland from Valencia and roughly 50 km from the coast, in D.O. Utiel-Requena. La Lloma blends Monastrell with Bonicaire, a local variety the family has revived, grown on old vineyards on the region's limestone-rich, free-draining soils. The high inland plateau brings hot days and cool nights, a diurnal range that ripens Monastrell fully while preserving freshness and aromatic detail. The wine spends six months split between amphora and oak barrel: the clay amphora keeps the fruit fresh and adds a gentle textural grip through slow micro-oxygenation, while the barrel rounds the tannin and lends light spice, so the wine keeps its fragrance while gaining structure. The colour is bright and youthful, with aromas of freshly picked cherry, wild berries and plum lifted by black pepper, dried herbs and an earthy note. The palate is medium bodied, with fresh acidity, fine tannin, a savoury liquorice edge and a clean, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, in a standard red glass.