Intipalka Syrah 2024

Intipalka comes from the Queirolo family, Italian immigrants who built a winemaking estate in Peru's Ica Valley, an arid desert region on the southern coast better known for pisco. The name means valley of the sun, and the wine is made from Syrah, a variety suited to hot, dry, sun-drenched sites. Here the vines grow on sandy desert soils under intense daytime heat, with cool coastal nights that preserve acidity and aromatic freshness, irrigation drawn from Andean meltwater making cultivation possible. To keep the focus on pure fruit, the 2024 sees no oak, ageing for three months in stainless steel, an inert vessel that locks in colour, fresh fruit and the variety's peppery character. The colour is deep violet-red. The nose is fruit-driven, with ripe plum and dark red fruit, black pepper, liquorice and a smoky, herbal edge typical of warm-climate Syrah. The palate is rich and intense, full-bodied with ripe, supple tannin, warming alcohol at 14 percent and a spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits grilled red meat and lightly spiced dishes.