Molinillo 2023

Molinillo is a red from the D.O. Sierra de Salamanca in Castilla y Leon, made by Vinas Serranas from Rufete, a pale skinned grape native to these mountains and rarely seen elsewhere. The vineyards are terraced on steep granite and slate slopes at altitude, where poor, free draining soils keep yields low and the cool mountain nights against warm days hold acidity and lift the aromatics. Rufete is naturally light in colour and tannin, giving a delicate, perfumed red. The wine spent 13 months in barrel, a maturation that settles the fine tannin and adds a light spice without weighing down the fruit. The colour is pale ruby. The nose is floral and fresh, with red cherry, wild strawberry and mountain herbs such as thyme, while the palate is light bodied and lively, with fine tannin, bright acidity and a clean, savoury finish. This is a fresh, fragrant red that rewards a slight chill. Serve cool at 15 degrees, in a Burgundy glass. It pairs well with roast chicken and game birds.