Las Moradas de San Martín Senda 2022

Las Moradas de San Martin works old Garnacha vines in the Sierra de Gredos, a mountainous corner of the Madrid wine region. Senda is drawn from four separate high-altitude plots, farmed organically and certified vegan. The Gredos is prized for Garnacha grown on granite and sandy soils at altitude, where the cold mountain nights and the poor, free-draining ground give a fresher, lighter and more aromatic style than the grape shows in warmer, lower areas. The old vines yield little but concentrated fruit. The wine is aged for 10 months in French oak, enough to round the tannins through gentle oxygen exchange without covering the bright fruit. The colour is medium ruby. The nose is fragrant, with wild strawberry, cherry, thyme and a peppery, herbal lift over an earthy, granitic base. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, with fine tannins, lively acidity and a savoury, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees in a large glass, with a short decant if young. It is a good match for lamb, game and herb-driven dishes.