Manga del Brujo 2022

Manga del Brujo is a red from D.O. Calatayud in Aragón, made under the direction of Norrel Robertson, a Master of Wine known as El Escocés Volante, the Flying Scotsman. It is a blend led by old-vine Garnacha with Syrah, Tempranillo and Mazuela. The Garnacha comes from old vineyards on steep slopes of rock and clay at around 800 metres, where the altitude brings cold nights and a wide diurnal range. That swing keeps acidity fresh and aromatics bright while the dry, sunny days ripen the thin-skinned Garnacha to full, generous fruit. The poor, stony soils and old, low-yielding vines concentrate flavour. The wine is aged for around five months in French oak barrels, a short ageing that rounds the edges and adds light spice while keeping the focus firmly on ripe fruit. It is bright, deep ruby. The nose shows red berries, plum and cherry with black pepper, liquorice and a stony, earthy undertone. The palate is full-bodied and juicy, ripe and generous, with soft, ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a long, spiced finish. This is a fruit-forward red made for the table. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits grilled and roast meats.