Gil Pejenaute Las Paradas 2020

Gil Pejenaute works in D.O. Campo de Borja, in the north-west of Aragón, a region built on old Garnacha planted on stony, often slate and limestone soils at altitude. Las Paradas comes from old vines, many over thirty years old, whose low yields concentrate the fruit and give the wine depth and structure. The continental climate here brings hot days and cool nights, a wide swing that ripens the Garnacha fully while holding enough acidity to keep the wine fresh. The estate is farmed organically. Maturation runs to eighteen months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds vanilla, sweet spice and a darker, more savoury dimension to the ripe fruit. The wine is deep ruby with a purple cast. The nose shows dark plum, red berry and liquorice over pepper, dried herbs and a frame of oak. The palate is full and warming, with ripe fruit, supple tannin and a long, spiced finish carried by the grape's natural generosity. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanting young bottles. It suits grilled and roast red meat and rich vegetable dishes.