La Clave 2023

La Clave is made by Raúl Pérez, the León-born oenologist whose work transformed D.O. Bierzo, from a blend of Garnacha Tintorera and Mencía. Bierzo sits in a sheltered valley in Castilla y León, with a mild, Atlantic-influenced climate and old vines rooted in the region's distinctive slate and clay slopes. Those poor, well-draining soils stress the vines and lend the wines their mineral, graphite character, while the moderate climate keeps freshness and aromatic detail. Garnacha Tintorera brings depth, colour and dark fruit, Mencía the perfume and acidity. The wine is aged for twelve months in used French oak barrels, chosen so the oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds texture without overlaying new-oak flavour, keeping the fruit and the terroir in front. It pours deep ruby to purple, with a nose of blackberry, ripe plum and red berries over liquorice, black pepper, dried herbs and a smoky, stony minerality. The palate is medium to full bodied, fresh and savoury, with fine tannin and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 16 degrees, decanting briefly if young. It suits grilled meats, game and mushroom dishes.