El Sueño Bobal Cepas Centenarias Caliza 2022

El Sueño is the work of Bruno Murciano, a respected sommelier who, with his brother José Luis, set out to show the native Bobal grape in its freshest and most elegant form in their hometown of Caudete de las Fuentes in the D.O. Utiel-Requena, Valencia. This bottling comes from a seven hectare plot of hundred year old, head trained bush vines, here on the limestone soils that give the wine its name, Caliza. Old vines naturally regulate their yields and root deep, drawing concentration and balance, while the chalky limestone holds water and lends freshness and a firm mineral spine. The high inland altitude of the plateau brings cold nights that preserve the acidity and aromatic detail that Bobal can lose in warmer sites. Barrel ageing softens the grape's naturally robust tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds gentle spice without masking the fruit. The colour is a deep ruby with violet glints. The nose shows blackberry, dark cherry, dried herbs and a stony, mineral note. The palate is medium to full bodied and fresh, with firm but fine tannins, bright acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits grilled red meats and earthy dishes.