Dominio de Anza Finca El Rapolao 2024

Dominio de Anza is the Bierzo project of Diego Magaña, a Navarrese winemaker trained in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Argentina and Chile, who built the venture with the encouragement and facilities of Raúl Pérez. Finca El Rapolao is a single site in Valtuille de Abajo, planted to Mencía with smaller amounts of Alicante Bouschet and Souson. The vineyard sits on the slate and clay soils typical of Bierzo, where the warm valley floor and cooler Atlantic-influenced nights give ripe fruit at a moderate 13 percent. The dark-fleshed Alicante Bouschet adds colour and structure, while Souson lends acidity and lift. The wine ages twelve months in 225-litre French oak barrels, which knit the tannin and add a fine spice. The colour is deep ruby with a violet rim. The nose shows red berry and plum over a stony, graphite minerality, with black pepper and a touch of liquorice. The palate is medium-bodied and savoury, with fresh acidity, fine-grained tannin and an earthy, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It pairs well with roast and grilled meats.