Finca Constancia 2021

Finca Constancia is a red wine from V.T. Castilla, made at the estate Gonzalez Byass founded in 2006 in the municipality of Otero, near Toledo. The site has an extreme Mediterranean-continental climate, with very cold winters and very hot summers, and wide daily temperature swings through the ripening period. Rainfall averages around 500 litres a year and is scarce as the grapes ripen, which protects the fruit and concentrates flavour. The blend brings together Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Graciano, Petit Verdot and Tempranillo, giving a broad palette of fruit and structure. It ages for 13 months in French and American oak, where slow oxygen exchange through the barrel softens the tannins and adds cedar, vanilla and a savoury spice. The wine is deep red, with blackberry, plum and dark cherry on the nose, lifted by herbs and a cedary, lightly smoky edge. The palate is medium to full bodied, with ripe fruit, moderate acidity and supple tannin carrying into a savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It works well with roast lamb, grilled beef or a plate of cured meats and hard cheese.