Gil Pejenaute Tabuca 2023

Gil Pejenaute is run by Javier Gil Pejenaute, who returned to Tabuenca, a village high in the eastern part of D.O. Campo de Borja in Aragón, after years working in Rioja. Tabuca is his Garnacha grown on the stony soils of this elevated corner of the appellation. The continental climate brings hot days and cold nights, and the altitude lengthens the growing season, so the grapes ripen fully while keeping fresh acidity and lifted aromatics. The estate is farmed organically. This is an unoaked wine, made without barrel ageing so the focus stays on the grape and the site, with the bright, juicy fruit of young Garnacha shown plainly. The colour is a vivid, youthful ruby. The nose leads with ripe red berry, plum and cherry over black pepper and a wild herbal note. The palate is fresh and fruit-driven, medium to full bodied, with soft tannin and a clean, peppery finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled in summer. It is an easy match for grilled meat, tomato-based dishes and gently spiced food.