Parajes de Cabriel 2024

Parajes de Cabriel is made by Bruno Murciano and David Sampedro at Caudete in the Valencia hinterland, within D.O. Utiel-Requena. It is a single-variety Bobal, a local grape long overlooked, here taken from very old vines between 70 and 100 years of age. These old plants crop little but ripen evenly, giving concentration at modest sugar, which is why the finished wine sits at a low 12.5% alcohol. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically, without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, on the limestone-influenced soils of the high inland plateau, where cool nights preserve acidity and aromatic lift. The wine is made for freshness and drinkability, with no oak ageing to mask the fruit. The colour is bright violet-tinged red. The nose offers fresh red cherry and plum, with wild herbs, dried thyme and a peppery, earthy note. The palate is light to medium bodied, juicy and supple, with gentle tannin and bright acidity carrying a clean finish. Serve at 14 to 15C, lightly chilled if you like, with roast chicken, grilled pork or tomato-based pasta.