Comando G Rozas 1er Cru 2023

Comando G is the project that put the Sierra de Gredos back on the map, recovering old, abandoned Garnacha vines in the hills west of Madrid; the G stands for Garnacha. Rozas 1er Cru comes from vineyards around Rozas de Puerto Real, planted on granite soils between 900 and 1000 metres and farmed biodynamically. Altitude is the defining factor: at this height the nights are cold and the growing season long, which holds acidity and builds the floral, high-toned aromatics that set Gredos Garnacha apart from the ripe, jammy style the grape shows on warmer, lower ground. The decomposed granite drains hard and lends a mineral cut. This is a delicate, perfumed style of red rather than a powerful one. Ageing is ten months in 500-litre French oak, a large format that rounds the structure with only a light oak imprint. The colour is pale, luminous ruby. The nose is fresh red berries and cherry, with rose, black pepper, dried herbs and a stony, mineral note. The palate is light and silky, the tannins fine and the acidity bright, closing long and savoury. Serve cool, around 15 degrees. It suits duck, game birds and lighter roasts.