Michelini i Mufatto Encrucijada 2022

Encrucijada is a red from Michelini i Mufatto in D.O. Bierzo, the family project of Argentine winemakers Andrea Mufatto and Gerardo Michelini, who settled in the village of Ozuela near Ponferrada to make pure Bierzo wines. It comes from the first vineyard the family worked, a field blend led by Mencía with a small share of the white grape Palomino, co-fermented in the traditional way. Bierzo sits in a sheltered valley in the northwest, where slate and schist soils and an Atlantic-influenced climate give cool nights and a long, even ripening that preserves acidity and aromatic freshness, reflected in the modest 12.4 percent alcohol. The wine ages twelve months in used French oak, older barrels that add structure and a touch of spice without dominating the delicate fruit. The colour is bright, medium ruby. The nose is perfumed, with red berries, fresh cherry and a floral, rose-like lift over a savoury, earthy, peppery edge. The palate is light to medium-bodied with fine tannins, crisp acidity and a mineral, herb-tinged finish. Serve lightly cool at 14 to 16 degrees. It suits poultry, lighter game and mushroom dishes.