Guímaro Finca Meixeman 2023

Guímaro works the steep terraced slopes of Ribeira Sacra in Galicia, and Finca Meixeman comes from a single plot of little more than one hectare. It is a field blend led by Mencía at around 80 per cent, with native Caíño, Sousón, Brancellao, Merenzao, Negreda, Garnacha and Mouratón. The vines are over 70 years old, growing at 40 to 450 metres on slate soils with a south-east aspect. Slate holds and radiates heat, which helps ripen the fruit on these cool Atlantic-influenced slopes, while giving the wine its stony, mineral signature. The old, low-yielding vines and the mix of varieties build complexity, and a moderate 12 months in oak frames the fruit through gentle oxidation without dominating it. The colour is bright medium ruby. The nose shows fresh red fruit, cherry and violet, with a savoury whisper of smoke and pepper. The palate is medium bodied and elegant, with bright acidity, fine grainy tannin and a long mineral, slate-driven finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits roast meats and game.