Ophiusa 2023

Cap de Barbaria farms vines on Formentera, the smallest of the Balearic Islands, in the VT Formentera category. Ophiusa is built from the same four varieties as the estate's flagship wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Monastrell and the local Fogoneu. The site is hot, dry and exposed to constant sea wind and salt, conditions that concentrate the grapes and push ripeness, giving a wine of 14 percent. To keep that ripeness fresh, the winery shortens the maceration: once alcoholic fermentation is nearly complete the skins are pressed off early, limiting tannin extraction and preserving the primary aromas of the fruit. Six months in French oak rounds the texture without dominating. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe plum and cherry over Mediterranean scrub, with dried herbs, thyme and a lift of black pepper. The palate is warm and fruit-driven, with supple tannin, a saline thread from the maritime soils and a spiced, herbal finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits grilled lamb, roasted red meats and firm aged cheese.