Lavia Valles de Lavia Valle del Aceniche 2022

Lavia works in D.O. Bullas, an inland appellation in Murcia in south eastern Spain, where oenologist Laura Ramos farms each plot to its own character. This wine comes from the Valle del Aceniche and is made from Monastrell, the region's dominant grape, farmed organically. Bullas sits at altitude, and the wide diurnal swing between hot days and cold nights is key here, slowing ripening so the late ripening Monastrell can reach full sugar while holding the acidity and aromatic freshness that the warm climate would otherwise burn off. The limestone and stony soils drain freely and keep yields low, concentrating the small berries. The wine is aged for around sixteen months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves softens the grape's naturally firm tannins and adds spice and structure. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe plum, black cherry, cracked pepper, liquorice and dried Mediterranean herbs over a warm earthiness. The palate is full and warming at 14.5% alcohol, with ripe tannins and a long spicy finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees. It suits hearty roasted and grilled meat.