Enate Merlot-Merlot 2022

Enate make this single-variety Merlot in D.O. Somontano, in Aragón, from 500 hectares of estate vineyards across Salas Altas, Cregenzán and Barbastro that are worked by hand. Somontano sits in the foothills of the Pyrenees, where altitude and cool nights give a wide diurnal range that ripens Merlot fully while keeping enough acidity to balance the wine, which reaches 15 per cent alcohol. Stony, varied soils and careful manual farming concentrate the fruit. The wine is aged for 15 months in French oak, where extended barrel time and slow oxygen exchange build a rounded texture, soften tannin and add clove, vanilla and cocoa to the ripe fruit. The colour is deep, dense ruby. The nose shows ripe red and dark fruit with eucalyptus, clove and a touch of dried apricot, lifted by sweet spice and oak. The palate is full and warming, with soft tannin, generous fruit and a long, spiced finish that carries the ripeness of the vintage. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant ahead. It suits grilled and roast red meat, hearty roasted vegetables and aged cheese.