Martúe 2023

Martúe is made by the González-Borrego family from their estate vineyards in La Guardia, Toledo, in D.O. La Mancha. The blend draws on five varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot and Syrah, each fermented separately and assembled afterwards so the winemaker can balance structure, fruit and freshness. La Mancha is a high, dry central plateau with hot days, cold nights and very low rainfall, and that altitude and diurnal swing let these later-ripening varieties reach full ripeness while keeping acidity. The poor limestone soils restrict yields and concentrate the fruit. After blending, the wine is aged for nine months in French and American oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannin and adds spice, vanilla and cedar, the American portion lending a sweeter note. The wine is deep ruby to purple, full bodied and structured, with a nose of ripe plum, blackcurrant and black pepper over vanilla, tobacco, dark chocolate and dried herbs. The palate is concentrated and firm, with ripe tannin and a long, oak-framed finish. Serve at 17 degrees, decanting if young. It suits grilled red meats and hard cheeses.