Guelbenzu Azul 2022

Guelbenzu Azul is a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Graciano and Syrah from V.T. Ribera del Queiles in the Zaragoza area of Aragón, made by the Guelbenzu winery. The fruit comes from Finca La Lombana at Vierlas, where the vines average twenty years on fluvial soils of gravel and sand. These free draining riverbed soils warm quickly and limit vigour, concentrating the fruit, while the continental climate of hot days and cold nights preserves the colour and the firm, structured tannin the Cabernet brings. The bunches ferment in stainless steel under controlled temperature for around fifteen days, with extended maceration to draw out colour and phenolics, then the wine ages nine months in oak, where contact with the wood polishes the tannins and adds spice and vanilla. The colour is deep garnet red. The nose shows blackcurrant, ripe cherry and raspberry with black pepper, a Cabernet hint of eucalyptus and sweet tobacco from the oak. The palate is full bodied and structured at 14.5 percent, the tannins firm but ripe, leading to a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 degrees, decanted, with red meat or aged cheese.