En Voz Baja Barrio Pastores 2023

En Voz Baja works in Aldeanueva de Ebro, a village in Rioja Oriental settled in the 11th century where water has always been scarce and viticulture has long relied on rain-fed, dry-farmed vines. This is a Garnacha grown in that warm, dry climate, which ripens the grape fully and gives the wine its generous fruit and 14 percent alcohol. The stony, drought-stressed soils keep yields low and concentrate flavour in the berries, while the warm Mediterranean-influenced conditions push the wine toward ripe red and dark fruit and a savoury, herbal character. After fermentation the wine ages for eleven months in large oak foudres rather than small barrels, so the oxygen exchange is gentler and the oak influence subtle, rounding the tannins and preserving the bright Garnacha fruit. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is ripe red berries and plum, with cracked black pepper, liquorice and a scrubby note of Mediterranean herbs. The palate is warm and full, the tannins soft and ripe, the finish long and savoury. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees in a wide glass. A natural match for roast lamb, grilled meats and hearty stews.