Luis Pérez Tintilla Corchuelo 2023

Bodegas Luis Perez works in the Sierra de Cadiz in Andalusia, the warm inland reach of the Jerez country, where Luis Perez Rodriguez and his son revived red winemaking on the chalky albariza and clay soils around Finca Vistahermosa. Tintilla, the local name for the Graciano grape, ripens fully in this hot, dry climate, though the Atlantic influence and the reflective white soils keep freshness in the fruit. This bottling spent twelve months in oak barrels, a maturation that rounds the tannin and adds a light spice frame around the dark fruit. The wine is deep purple in the glass. The nose leads with blackberry and plum, with black pepper, dried herbs and a touch of vanilla behind. The palate is full and warm, with ripe dark fruit, firm but supple tannin and a savoury, slightly saline finish that reflects the albariza. It is a distinctive southern Spanish red from a region far better known for Sherry. Serve at 17 degrees. It goes well with roast lamb, grilled red meat and hearty stews.