Castell d’Encús Jhana 2020

Castell d'Encus is Raul Bobet's mountain estate in the Pallars Jussa, high in the Pyrenean foothills of Costers del Segre, where the vineyards climb from 800 to 1000 metres. Jhana is a rose of Merlot and Petit Verdot grown at this altitude, on south west facing slopes sheltered from the cold northern winds. The extreme elevation gives one of the widest diurnal ranges in Spanish viticulture, with cold nights that lock in acidity, aromatics and a fine, tense structure. The estate is known for fermenting some wines in 12th century stone vats cut into the rock. Jhana is aged for twelve months in used French oak barrels, chosen so the wood adds texture and a faint spice without overt vanilla, while slow oxygen exchange rounds the palate. The colour is pale, almost translucent. The nose shows herbal notes and a hint of spice over red berries, cherry and white peach. The palate is dry and fresh, with mountain acidity, a savoury herbal thread and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 10 degrees, in a white wine glass.