Manda Huevos Tinto 2021

Manda Huevos Tinto is made by Norrel Robertson, the Scottish Master of Wine behind El Escocés Volante, who settled in Calatayud for its wealth of old vines. The wine comes from two plots called Caña Andrea, one planted in 1908 as a field blend of Fine Garnacha, White Garnacha, Moristel and Bobal, the other slightly younger. Calatayud sits at altitude in Aragón on stony slate and limestone soils, and the combination of poor ground, very old vines and a warm but high-elevation climate gives small crops of concentrated, fully ripe fruit with the freshness that altitude preserves. The wine is aged on its lees, and this contact with the spent yeast adds texture and a savoury depth while protecting the wine from oxidation. The old field blend, co-fermented as the vineyard was planted, gives a layered, traditional character. The colour is deep ruby. The nose shows ripe plum and red berries over black pepper, liquorice, leather and dried herbs. The palate is full bodied and ripe, with rounded tannins, a warming core at 14 percent and an earthy, spicy finish. Serve at 17 degrees. It suits grilled beef and roast lamb.