Lomba dos Ares 2022

Lomba dos Ares is a high altitude red from Fedellos do Couto in the Ribeira Sacra, in inland Galicia. It is a field blend of five varieties, Mencía, Mouratón, Merenzao, Garnacha Tintorera and Caíño Tinto, grown together on vines over sixty years old in the Val do Bibei at altitudes between 700 and 750 metres. The climate here is more continental than Atlantic, with high rainfall, long warm summers, mild autumns and strong winds, while the altitude and cool nights hold acidity and keep the wine fresh and aromatic. The old vines and steep, schist soils give low yields and a clear mineral, slatey character. The fruit ferments together as a field blend and the wine is aged twelve months in barrels of different sizes and ages, an approach that adds breadth and texture with very little overt oak flavour, letting the site speak. At 12.1 per cent it is light to medium bodied and bright ruby in the glass, with a nose of red berries, cherry and red currant lifted by dried herbs, black pepper and a smoky, stony note. The palate is fresh and savoury, with fine tannins and crisp acidity. Serve slightly cool, at 14 to 16 degrees, with lighter meats and earthy dishes.