Guelbenzu Vierlas 2023

Guelbenzu Vierlas is the everyday red from Bodegas Guelbenzu, made under the Ribera del Queiles country wine designation near Zaragoza in Aragón. The fruit comes from the La Lombana estate, where vines averaging twenty years grow on free draining soils of gravel and sand. These poor, well drained soils limit vigour and concentrate the Merlot and Syrah, while the continental swing between warm days and cool nights holds acidity and slows ripening for fuller flavour. The bunches ferment for around twelve days in temperature controlled stainless steel, a cool, steady fermentation that protects the bright fruit before the wine is aged six months in barrel, split thirty per cent French and seventy per cent American oak. The American oak contributes the sweeter vanilla and coconut tone, the French a tighter spice, and the slow oxygen exchange through the staves softens the tannins. The result is deep ruby in colour, with a nose of ripe cherry, plum and red berry lifted by black pepper and a vanilla sweetness from the wood. The palate is round and fruit driven, with supple tannins, a liquorice edge and a warm finish at 14.5 per cent. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits grilled and roasted meats.