Finca Genoveva Caíño 2022

Finca Genoveva Caíño is an unusual red from the D.O. Rías Baixas, a region far better known for white Albariño, made by Rodrigo Méndez in collaboration with Raúl Pérez. It is single-varietal Caíño Tinto, an indigenous Galician grape, from little over 1.5 hectares of small plots planted with century-old vines that have been farmed across five generations. The Atlantic setting is everything here: cool, damp and maritime, with granite-based soils, conditions that keep alcohol low at 12 percent and acidity high, while the sea air lends a saline, savoury edge. Caíño is naturally high in acid and tannin and ripens late, so this wet, cool climate produces a fresh, fine-boned red rather than a ripe, heavy one. Ageing takes place over twelve months in foudres, large old wood that allows gentle oxygen exchange and softens the tannins without adding oak flavour. The result is a pale, perfumed red with violet florals, raspberry and cherry fruit, redcurrant, a peppery lift and a clear briny minerality. The palate is light-bodied and bright, with firm acidity and fine tannins. Serve cool, at 14 to 15 degrees. It suits oily fish, poultry and lighter meats.