Dominio de Anza El Rapolao 2022

Dominio de Anza, with winemaker Diego Magaña, works El Rapolao, a historic vineyard in Valtuille de Abajo in the Bierzo region of Castilla y León. For decades the site was overlooked because of its difficulty, with iron-rich red clay soils, steep slopes and a sun exposure that arrives late and leaves early, all of which make ripening slow and demanding. Those same conditions are now valued, because the long, cool ripening builds structure and freshness while the clay and iron give the wine its body and savoury, mineral grip. The grape is Mencía, Bierzo's signature variety, farmed under respectful agriculture. After fermentation the wine spends twelve months in barrel, where measured oxygen contact through the wood softens the tannins and adds a light spice without covering the fruit. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows Morello cherry and wild berry over earth, black pepper and dried herbs. The palate is medium to full bodied, with firm fine tannins, bright acidity and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits red meats, game and mushroom dishes.