Marqués de Griñon Petit Verdot 2020

This is a single-variety Petit Verdot from Marqués de Griñón, made in Dominio de Valdepusa, a Vino de Pago appellation granted to this estate's own plots at Malpica de Tajo in Toledo, Castilla La Mancha. Petit Verdot is a late-ripening Bordeaux variety that rarely ripens fully in its homeland but thrives in the warmth of central Spain, giving deep colour, firm tannin and dark fruit. The vines grow on clay-limestone soils at an average altitude of 490 metres, which moderates the heat, while the continental climate, averaging 17 degrees with low rainfall around 450mm, drives concentration with the altitude preserving freshness. The clay holds water through dry summers and the limestone lends structure. The wine ages twelve months in French oak from Allier, where slow oxygen exchange rounds the strong tannins and adds vanilla and spice. The colour is deep, dense violet-ruby. The nose shows ripe plum and black cherry over black pepper, liquorice and toasted oak with an earthy edge. The palate is full-bodied and structured at 15 percent, with firm, grippy tannins and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant. It suits grilled and roasted red meat.