Huno Reserva 2018

Pago los Balancines farms in a warm, dry inland zone of the Iberian Peninsula, where Huno Reserva blends Garnacha Tintorera with Graciano and Tempranillo. Garnacha Tintorera, also called Alicante Bouschet, is one of the few red grapes with red flesh as well as red skin, which gives the wine its deep colour and density. The vines grow on poor stony soils under a continental climate of hot days and cool nights, conditions that ripen the fruit fully while the night-time drop holds the acidity and keeps the wine fresh. The Graciano adds acidity and spice, the Tempranillo lends red fruit and structure. The blend is matured eighteen months in oak barrels, a Reserva ageing where slow oxygen exchange softens the firm tannins and adds vanilla, spice and a smoky depth. The 2018 vintage gives a ripe, full style at 14.5 percent alcohol. The colour is deep, almost opaque ruby. The nose shows dark plum, black cherry and blackberry over black pepper, liquorice, vanilla and smoke. The palate is full bodied and structured, with firm ripe tannins, balancing acidity and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 degrees and decant. It suits grilled and roasted red meats.