Habla Nº33 2021

Habla is an avant-garde winery working in the warm, continental interior between Extremadura and Portugal's Estremadura, where it releases small numbered lots rather than a fixed range. Nº33 is a single-variety Malbec grown under organic farming on the dry, sun-exposed soils of the region. The hot days and cooler nights of this inland climate slow ripening and hold acidity, giving fruit that stays fresh despite the heat, while the low rainfall concentrates colour and tannin in the skins. After fermentation the wine spends twelve months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves softens the tannins and folds in spice and a light toast without masking the fruit. The colour is deep purple. The nose mixes ripe blueberry and dark plum with fresh citrus and a forest, savoury character, and the oak adds vanilla and smoke. The palate is full and rounded, with firm but ripe tannins and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, ideally decanted an hour ahead. It suits roast and grilled red meats and hard mountain cheeses.