El Reventón San Gregorio 2023

El Reventón is the Sierra de Gredos venture of winemaker Alejandro Vigil, working with the old-vine Garnacha that grows at altitude west of Madrid, and San Gregorio comes from the D.O. Cebreros in this mountainous corner of Castilla y León. The vineyards sit high on decomposed granite soils, which drain freely and stress the vines, giving small concentrated berries with bright acidity. The altitude brings cool nights and a wide diurnal range, so the Garnacha ripens slowly and keeps a perfumed, fresh character rather than turning heavy. The farming is respectful and low intervention. The wine is aged around 11 months in a mix of barrels and concrete, the concrete preserving the bright fruit and the wood adding gentle structure through slow oxygen exchange. The colour is a bright, light ruby. The nose shows fresh cherry and red berry with a floral lift, black pepper and dried herbs. The palate is light to medium bodied and fresh, with fine tannins, lively acidity and a savoury, peppery finish that reflects the granite and the altitude. This is high-country Garnacha in a perfumed, elegant style. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, with game birds, roast meats or mushroom dishes.