Casa Balaguer Tinto 2024

Casa Balaguer comes from Finca Balaguer in D.O. Alicante, in Valencia, now farmed biodynamically and made as a natural wine by the Vinessens team. The blend is led by Monastrell, the warm-climate Mediterranean grape that gives depth, firm tannin and dark fruit, rounded out by Garnacha Peluda and the old local varieties Arcos, Valencí and Tortosí. Alicante's hot, dry climate and limestone-influenced soils suit Monastrell's late ripening, producing concentrated fruit with a savoury, herbal character drawn from the surrounding scrubland. Made naturally, with minimal intervention and ageing for twelve months in separate containers before blending, the wine keeps freshness and a clear sense of place rather than obvious winemaking. The colour is deep and saturated. The nose shows dark plum, black cherry, dried Mediterranean herbs, black pepper and a stony, savoury edge. The palate is full bodied and structured, with firm but ripe tannin, good acidity and a long, mineral finish. This is a serious, terroir-driven Levante red. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanted, with roast lamb, grilled meats or hearty vegetable dishes.