O Diviso 2019

O Diviso comes from Telmo Rodríguez's Galician project in D.O. Valdeorras, where he works only with the indigenous varieties of the area to show the character of the terroir. It is a field blend led by Mencía with Brancellao, Sousón, Garnacha and other native grapes from organically farmed vineyards. Valdeorras sits inland in eastern Galicia, on steep slopes of slate and granite that drain freely and force the vines to root deep, lending the wine a slaty, mineral backbone. The Atlantic-influenced climate is cooler and wetter than most of Spain, with a marked day-to-night temperature swing that keeps acidity high and the fruit fresh at 14 percent. After fermentation the wine ages fourteen months in French oak, which softens the firm tannins of the darker native grapes through slow oxygen exchange and adds structure without heavy wood flavour. It shows a deep ruby colour, with dark red fruit and plum on the nose over black pepper, dried herbs and a stony, earthy background. The palate is structured and savoury, with grippy but ripe tannins, bright acidity and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanted, with roast and grilled meats.