Forlong Assemblage 2021

This is the Assemblage bottling from the Forlong project, a blended red built on Tintilla de Rota, the old Andalusian variety the producer champions on the chalky soils of coastal Cadiz. Tintilla de Rota is thick-skinned and deeply coloured, giving full, structured reds with dark fruit and firm tannin. The region's warm Mediterranean and Atlantic-influenced climate ripens the grapes fully, which accounts for the 14.5 percent alcohol and the wine's depth, while coastal nights keep enough acidity to hold the fruit in shape. As a blend assembled from different parcels and elements, it is put together to balance ripe fruit, structure and freshness across the components. Expect a deeply coloured red with dark plum and red berry fruit, liquorice, black pepper and a savoury, earthy undertone, with a measured frame of spice from time in vessel. The palate is full and structured, with firm but ripe tannins and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant young bottles for half an hour. It is built for roast and grilled red meats.