L’Alegria Bobal Cepas Viejas Arcilla 2024

L'Alegria Bobal Cepas Viejas Arcilla is a barrel-aged red made by Bruno Murciano in the Utiel-Requena, in inland Valencia. A respected sommelier, Murciano set up the winery with his brother Jose Luis to showcase the native varieties around their village of Caudete de las Fuentes, and this is one of a trilogy built on Bobal. The wine comes from old vines grown on clay soils, the arcilla of the name, which retain water through the hot, dry continental summers and feed the vines steadily so the fruit ripens without losing freshness. The high, cool plateau of Utiel-Requena holds acidity and gives Bobal its deep colour, dark fruit and fresh, savoury line. Old vines keep yields low and concentration high, and time in barrel rounds the tannins and adds a little spice while the fruit stays in front. The colour is deep, dark ruby. The nose shows plum, red berries and cherry over a peppery, earthy base. On the palate it is medium to full bodied, fresh and structured, with firm but ripe tannins, bright acidity and a savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. Good with grilled lamb and beef.