Luzón Origen Garnacha 2022

Bodega Luzón is a long-established Jumilla producer in Murcia, in the warm south-east of Spain, revitalised after the Fuertes Group joined the project in 2005. This organic red is made from Garnacha Tintorera, a dark-fleshed grape also known as Alicante Bouschet that gives deep colour and ripe, generous fruit. Jumilla has a hot, dry continental climate with high summer temperatures, poor limestone and sandy soils and very low rainfall, conditions that ripen the grape fully and lift the alcohol, here reaching 14.5 per cent. Old, drought-adapted vines yield concentrated fruit. The wine spends eight months in French and American oak barrels, which softens the tannin and adds vanilla, spice and a light toast through contact with the wood. It is deep purple, with blackberry, ripe plum and blueberry on the nose over dark chocolate, black pepper and a sweet vanilla note from the oak. The palate is full-bodied and warm, with soft, rounded tannin, moderate acidity and a ripe, spicy finish. This is a bold, fruit-driven Mediterranean red for drinking over the next few years. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, in a large glass. It suits grilled meats, lamb and spiced dishes.