Honoro Vera Garnacha 2024

Honoro Vera Garnacha comes from Bodegas Ateca in the D.O. Calatayud, in the highlands of Aragón, run by the Gil family. The wine is made from Garnacha grown on old, low yielding vines planted on slate soils at altitude. Calatayud is a hot, dry region, but the elevation brings cold nights and a wide diurnal range that holds acidity and freshness in the fruit even as it ripens fully. The poor, stony slate soils restrict the vines and concentrate flavour, lending the wine its mineral backbone. Farmed with a respectful approach and made without animal products, it is bottled young to capture the ripe, exuberant fruit of the Garnacha, with little or no oak to get in the way. The colour is deep, vivid red. The nose is generous, with ripe raspberry and redcurrant, a clear mineral note and a spiced, peppery lift. The palate is full and rich, with ripe fruit, moderate, supple tannins and a warming, spiced finish carried by the higher alcohol. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits grilled and roast red meats and gently spiced dishes.