Las Aldeas Galia 2024

Galia was founded in 2009 when French vintner Jerome Bougnaud began working old plots in the border villages of Soria, on the eastern edge of Ribera del Duero. These are high, continental vineyards on poor soils, where a wide diurnal range slows ripening and holds acidity in the fruit while the long days build colour and tannin. Vine age here runs past a century, and the low yields of old plants concentrate flavour. Las Aldeas is a field blend led by Tempranillo with the white grape Albillo and other red and white varieties, co-fermented in the traditional way to lift aromatics and soften the structure. The wine is farmed organically and aged for 20 months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves rounds the tannins and adds cedar and vanilla without masking the fruit. It pours a deep ruby, with a nose of dark plum, black cherry, liquorice and a savoury, earthy minerality. The palate is full and firm, the oak set through ripe black fruit and black pepper, closing long and dry. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead. Good with roast lamb or a hard sheep's cheese.