Clos Baltasar 2023

Bodegas San Alejandro was founded in 1962 in Miedes de Aragon by a group of vine growers, and Clos Baltasar is its Garnacha led red, rounded out with Arcos, Bobal and Moristel from the region's old vineyards. Calatayud is a hot, dry, high altitude part of Aragon, where the cold winds and stony soils cut yields and the big day to night temperature swing keeps freshness in the ripe fruit. The wine ages around ten months across concrete and oak barrel. Concrete is inert, so it preserves the pure fruit and freshness of the Garnacha while letting the wine settle, and the time in barrel adds gentle spice and softens the tannins through slow oxygen exchange. It pours a bright, deep red, with aromas of ripe red and dark berries, cherry and plum over cracked pepper, wild herbs and a touch of liquorice. The palate is round and warming at 14 percent, with ripe fruit, soft tannin and a savoury finish. Serve at 16 degrees, with little or no decanting. It is a generous partner for grilled meat and spiced dishes.