El Chaparral 2022

Bodegas y Viñedos Nekeas produces El Chaparral in D.O. Navarra from old-vine Garnacha, with the vines aged between 70 and 100 years. Vines of that age carry deep root systems and yield very little fruit, which concentrates flavour and gives the wine its richness and depth. Each plot is selected carefully and fermented separately, so the final blend is assembled from the best parcels, with the volume varying by vintage. Maceration runs for twenty days, at least eight of them cold, a long, gentle extraction that draws colour and tannin slowly without harshness. Malolactic fermentation and ageing then follow over five to six months, the malolactic conversion softening the wine's acidity and rounding the texture. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose is generous, with ripe red berries, cherry and plum over black pepper, dried herbs and a touch of liquorice, the warm, spicy signature of ripe Garnacha. The palate is full bodied and fleshy, with ripe tannins, moderate acidity and a warming, fruit-driven finish at 14 percent alcohol. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It pairs well with roast lamb and grilled meats.