Casa Aurora La Nave Tinto 2023

Casa Aurora is the project of Germán R. Blanco in Villa de Albares, in the Valle del Boeza of Bierzo Alto, named in tribute to his grandmother. The wine is drawn from old, century-plus vineyards that he farms with respect for the land, and it is effectively a field blend of the varieties planted together there: Garnacha Tintorera, Mencía, other local reds and even old white Palomino vines interspersed among them. Bierzo's slate and clay slopes and its position between Galicia and the Castilian plateau give a climate that is both Atlantic and continental, with cool nights that hold acidity and aromatic freshness. Co-fermenting the mixed varieties, including a portion of white grapes, lifts the aromatics and softens the structure. The wine then ages in oak barrels, which rounds the tannins and adds a light savoury spice without dominating. It pours a bright cherry red. The nose is fresh and lifted, with red cherry, wild berries and plum over earth, dried herbs and a peppery note. The palate is medium bodied at 13 per cent, juicy and savoury, with fine tannins and a mineral finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled if you prefer, with roast pork or poultry.