Castell d’Encús Acusp 2022

Castell d'Encús is Raül Bobet's project in the Pyrenean foothills of Costers del Segre, and Acusp is his single varietal Pinot Noir. The vineyards sit at around 1,000 metres, the highest in Spain, where intense daytime sun is offset by sharply cold nights. That wide diurnal swing slows ripening and preserves natural acidity, so the grapes reach phenolic maturity while keeping freshness and tension. The poor mountain soils and altitude give a wine of detail rather than weight, true to Pinot Noir's thin skins and translucent colour. After fermentation it spends twelve months in French oak, ageing that softens the tannins and adds a fine spice without masking the fruit. The colour is bright ruby, the nose lifts on red cherry, wild strawberry and a floral rose edge over damp earth and forest floor. The palate is medium bodied and savoury, with cool berry fruit, gentle tannins and a mineral, slightly herbal finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees in a large Burgundy glass. It suits roast duck, mushroom dishes and lighter game.