Dominio de Tares Baltos 2023

Dominio de Tares Baltos is a red wine from D.O. Bierzo, made in the Alto Bierzo, northwest of Leon, from Mencia. The grapes come from vines over 40 years old with low yields, planted on the south-facing slopes of Cabanelas at around 500 metres. The soil is clay-calcareous shale with ferrous elements, which lends the wine its graphite, mineral character and helps preserve freshness. Harvest is by hand into 15 kg boxes during the second half of September. After fermentation the wine ages six months in French and American oak, a moderate touch that adds light cedar and spice while keeping the fruit and the variety in front. It is bright, deep red, with raspberry, blackberry and violet on the nose, lifted by a graphite, slatey minerality. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, with juicy red and black fruit, lively acidity and fine, supple tannin running into a mineral finish. It shows the floral, mineral side of Mencia at an approachable level. Serve at 15 to 17 degrees. It suits grilled pork, roast chicken, duck and mushroom dishes.