Enate Reserva 2020

Enate, founded in 1991 at Salas Altas in Huesca, makes this Reserva from Cabernet Sauvignon grown at around 600 metres in the DO Somontano, in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The altitude is the key to this wine: cool mountain nights set against warm days slow the ripening of a late grape like Cabernet, building deep colour, ripe tannin and the variety's blackcurrant and herbal character while holding the acidity that keeps a 15 percent wine fresh. The grapes are aged 12 months in French oak, where the slow oxygen exchange through the staves softens Cabernet's firm tannins and adds cedar, cocoa and vanilla to the fruit. It shows a deep red, near ruby, with a nose of ripe plum, red currant and blackcurrant lifted by eucalyptus and mint over cocoa and sweet spice. The palate is full and dense, the ripe black fruit carried on firm, well-integrated tannins to a long, warming finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead to open the aromatics. A natural partner for roast and grilled red meats.