La Miranda de Secastilla 2023

La Miranda de Secastilla comes from Viñas del Vero, a Somontano winery founded in 1986 and now part of González Byass, working vineyards along the Vero river as it runs down from the Pyrenees. The soils here are loamy-sandy and notably stony, which drains well and reflects heat onto the fruit while keeping the vines lean. Somontano sits where Pyrenean altitude tempers the Mediterranean warmth, so the wide swing between hot days and cool nights ripens Garnacha fully while preserving acidity and freshness. The blend is led by Garnacha Tinta with Syrah for colour and spice and Parraleta, a local variety that adds savoury herbal lift. Fermentation on skins extracts the supple tannins and bright fruit, and the wine then rests eight months in French oak, enough to round the texture and frame the fruit without burying it. The result is deep cherry red. The nose carries ripe red berries, plum, black pepper and a wild thyme edge, with a light note of oak spice. The palate is generous and warming at fourteen percent, with soft tannins and an earthy, peppery finish. Serve at 16 to 18C. It works with grilled lamb, roast beef and roasted root vegetables.