El Mentridano 2023

El Mentridano comes from Vitícola Mentridana in D.O. Méntrida, a warm inland appellation on the southern slopes of the Sierra de Gredos in Castilla La Mancha. Garnacha here grows on decomposed granite and sandy soils, which drain freely and give wines of perfume, freshness and fine-grained tannin rather than heaviness. The continental climate brings hot days and cold nights, and that diurnal range lets the grapes ripen slowly while holding their acidity. The grapes are farmed with respectful, sustainable agriculture. After fermentation the wine spends seven months in foudres, large oak vessels that allow gentle oxygen exchange and soften the tannins without adding obvious oak flavour, so the fruit and the granite minerality stay in front. The result is a medium-bodied red, bright crimson in the glass, with a nose of ripe raspberry and red cherry, plum, black pepper and dried Mediterranean herbs. The palate is juicy and savoury, with a stony, earthy undertow and a touch of liquorice on a fresh, lightly grippy finish. Serve at 16 degrees, decanting briefly if young. It pairs well with grilled red meats, mushroom dishes and hard sheep's cheese.