Guímaro Finca Pombeiras 2023

Guímaro is a small family winery in D.O. Ribeira Sacra, where Finca Pombeiras comes from a single estate of 70 year old vines planted on slate terraces cut into slopes with a 50 percent incline. The blend is led by Mencía with Caíño Tinto, Garnacha and Souson. These steep slate terraces above the river are worked by hand because no machine can reach them, and the broken slate drains fast and reflects heat onto the low-yielding old vines, concentrating the fruit. Ribeira Sacra has an Atlantic-influenced climate that is cooler and fresher than central Spain, which preserves the bright acidity and floral lift that mark the wine. After a gentle vinification it ages in barrel, where the old wood rounds the texture without covering the fruit. The colour is bright and medium-deep. The nose is fresh and floral, with red berries and cherry over crushed stone and a savoury, herbal edge. The palate is medium-bodied and lively, the tannins fine and grippy, the acidity keeping it taut and mineral through a long finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. It suits roast game and earthy dishes.