Frontio Arbusto 2021

Bodega Frontio is the project of Thyge Benned, a former Danish broker who settled in a small village in the D.O. Arribes, the rugged gorge country on the border between Castilla y Leon and Portugal. The wines are natural and organic, made with minimal intervention. Arribes sits on poor granite and slate soils at altitude, and the local Juan Garcia grape, blended here with Tempranillo, gives lighter, fresher reds than Spain's warmer regions. Old bush vines and low yields concentrate flavour while the cool nights preserve acidity. This 2021 was aged ten months in oak barrels, used wood that lends structure without dominating the fruit, and the natural winemaking keeps the profile direct and savoury. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose shows red fruit, strawberry and cherry, with dried herbs and a stony, earthy note. The palate is light bodied and fresh, with red currant acidity, fine tannin and a peppery, herbal finish. At 12 percent it is an easy, food-friendly red that can take a light chill. Serve at 14 to 15 degrees with charcuterie, roast chicken or grilled pork.