Celler del Roure La Pebrella 2024

Celler del Roure works in Moixent in the interior of Valencia, where winemaker Pablo Calatayud has revived native varieties that grow almost nowhere else. La Pebrella is built on Forcayat and Arcos, old local grapes suited to the warm dry climate and the limestone and clay soils of the area, and the wine takes its name from a wild thyme that grows in these hills. The fruit is aged for eleven months in clay jars rather than oak, a traditional Mediterranean method; the porous clay allows a gentle oxygen exchange that softens the wine while adding no wood flavour, so the bright fruit and herbal character stay clear. The colour is a light cherry red. The nose shows fresh red berries and cherry over a savoury layer of wild thyme, dried herbs and crushed pepper. The palate is light to medium bodied, with juicy acidity, fine soft tannins and a clean herbal finish. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 15 degrees. It suits grilled vegetables, white meats and Mediterranean dishes.