Los Frailes Bilogía 2023

Bilogía is made by Casa Los Frailes in the Valle dels Alforins, an upland corner of inland Valencia in eastern Spain. It blends Monastrell, the estate's traditional Mediterranean variety, with Syrah. The Monastrell comes from La Encina, a vineyard over 30 years old set at 680 metres altitude, where cool nights at height temper the warm Mediterranean days. That diurnal swing preserves freshness and aromatic detail in a grape that ripens late and would otherwise turn heavy. The estate farms biodynamically and certified organic, working the soils without synthetic chemicals so the vineyard expresses its limestone and the dry-farmed vine roots reach deep for water. The wine is aged five months in barrel, a short passage that settles the tannins and adds a frame of cedar and sweet spice while keeping the fruit fresh. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe red berries and plum, the wild thyme and rosemary of the surrounding scrubland, black pepper and a touch of liquorice. The palate is warm and structured, with firm but ripe tannin and a savoury, stony finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It calls for roast lamb and grilled red meat.