Curii 2022

Curii is the project of Violeta Gutiérrez de la Vega and the sommelier Alberto Redrado, set up in 2010 in the village of Xaló, in the mountainous interior of Alicante about eight kilometres from the Mediterranean. This red is made from Giró, the local name for Garnacha, drawn from old vines in an area where the Moscatel trade had long overshadowed serious red winemaking. The vineyards sit at altitude on poor limestone soils, where the elevation and the wide gap between hot days and cool nights extend ripening and keep freshness in a warm Mediterranean climate. Old vines and low yields concentrate the fruit. After fermentation, the wine ages in oak barrels, which round the tannins and add a savoury, spiced frame while slow oxygen exchange settles the structure. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe red berries, plum and cherry, with liquorice, leather and a warm, peppery undertone. The palate is full bodied, with ripe tannins, balancing acidity from the altitude and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanted if young. It pairs with lamb, beef and mushroom dishes.