Guímaro Finca Capeliños 2023

Guimaro is a small family winery in D.O. Ribeira Sacra in Galicia, working the steep river-canyon terraces by hand. Finca Capelinos comes from a single estate of almost 100 year old vines planted on slopes with gradients close to 50 percent, on granite and slate soils. The poor, fast-draining rock forces the vines to root deep and keeps yields low, which concentrates the fruit, while the cool Atlantic-influenced climate and wide day-to-night temperature swing hold acidity and lengthen ripening. The wine is mostly Mencia rounded out with Caino, Souson, Garnacha and Brancellao, farmed organically. Barrel ageing softens the tannins and adds a light woodspice and smoke without covering the fruit. Expect a medium-bodied red, deep ruby in the glass, with dark cherry and plum on the nose lifted by violet and black pepper. The palate is fresh and mineral, the slate showing as a graphite, stony grip through a firm, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, ideally decanted for half an hour. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and earthy mushroom dishes.