Guímaro A Ponte 2021

A Ponte is an organic red made by Guímaro in D.O. Ribeira Sacra, the dramatic Galician region of steep terraces above the Sil and Miño rivers. Pedro M. Rodríguez Pérez revived a family winemaking tradition dating to 1886, working the slopes by hand with traditional and ecological methods. The wine is a field blend led by Mencía with Caíño Tinto, Merenzao, Brancellao and Souson, the native varieties of the region. The vineyards cling to slate and granite terraces so steep that all work is manual, and the river-gorge aspect with its day to night temperature swing keeps acidity high and the fruit fresh at 13.5 percent alcohol. The blend is fermented traditionally and aged for twelve months in used French oak, where seasoned barrels allow gentle oxygen exchange and integration without adding strong new oak flavour, keeping the focus on the fruit and the soil. The colour is medium ruby with a bright rim. The nose shows red fruit and cherry over black pepper, dried herbs and a stony, savoury depth. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, with fine tannin, vivid acidity and a long mineral finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. It suits roast beef and game.