El Serbal 2023

El Serbal takes its name from the rowan tree, a symbol of strength and protection in local legend, and is the house red of Adrián Alonso in Burgos, Castilla y León. The blend is led by Tempranillo and Garnacha, with a small share of white grapes folded in. This is the fresher, more immediate of the estate wines, made to show fruit and drinkability rather than weight. The continental climate of the high Castilian plateau brings hot days and sharply cooler nights, and that swing preserves bright acidity and keeps the fruit lively. Vinification is natural and low intervention, with native fermentation, and the wine rests 13 months in a mix of different barrels, which rounds the texture and adds a quiet spice while leaving the fruit in the foreground. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose offers wild red fruit, raspberry and blackberry, with a delicate herbal note behind. The palate is medium bodied and supple, with red-berry fruit, gentle tannin and a fresh, clean finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled if you prefer. It pairs well with roast pork, poultry and charcuterie.