Clos Pepín 2024

Casa Aurora works in north-west Castilla y León, on the high ground near Bierzo where old field-blend vineyards survive. Clos Pepín comes from these mixed old plots, co-planted with Mencía, Garnacha Tintorera, Gran Negro, Palomino and Portuguesa, picked and fermented together as growers traditionally did. The vines sit on slate and sandy soils that drain freely and force the roots deep, which gives the wine its mineral, graphite-edged character. The area's altitude and the wide swing between warm days and cool nights preserve the natural acidity and keep the aromatics fresh and lifted. Co-fermenting the field blend brings the high-acid red grapes together with the pale-skinned varieties for a fresh, perfumed style. The wine is aged for around thirteen months, settling the tannins and adding light savoury depth. The 2024 is youthful and fresh. The colour is bright medium ruby with a violet rim. The nose shows wild raspberry, plum and red cherry over white flowers, black pepper and wood smoke. The palate is light to medium bodied and juicy, with fresh acidity, fine tannins and a savoury, stony finish. Serve lightly chilled, around 15 degrees. It suits charcuterie, roast pork and poultry.