Gómez Cruzado Pancrudo 2023

Bodegas Gómez Cruzado was founded in 1886 in Estación de Haro, among the most classic wineries of Rioja Alta, and farms more than a hundred small plots across the Sierra Cantabria, Najerilla and Alto Najerilla. Pancrudo comes from a single high altitude site in the Alto Najerilla planted to Garnacha Tinta, a variety that thrives on poor, well drained soils and rewards cool, elevated sites with perfume and freshness rather than weight. The altitude here brings a marked day to night temperature swing that slows ripening, preserves acidity and concentrates aromatics, giving a Garnacha that is more about lift than power. Ageing runs twelve months in French oak, which adds a fine frame of spice and rounds the tannins through gentle oxygen exchange while leaving the fruit and floral character intact. The colour is a bright, medium ruby. The nose is fragrant, with wild strawberry, raspberry, dried herbs and a floral, mineral edge. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, with fine tannins, vibrant acidity and a savoury, stony finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees in a wide glass. It suits poultry, lighter meats and earthy vegetable dishes.