Pegaso Zeta 2023

Pegaso comes from Cebreros in the Sierra de Gredos, where Compañía de Vinos Telmo Rodríguez works old Garnacha on steep granite and sandy slopes. The decomposed granite drains hard and gives little vigour, so yields are naturally low and the fruit retains tension despite the warm growing season. High altitude and a wide day-to-night temperature swing preserve acidity and aromatic detail, which is why Gredos Garnacha tends to be lighter and more savoury than its warm-climate alcohol of 14.5 percent suggests. The wine is raised for six months in 500 litre French oak barrels and a further six months in stainless steel, a regime that rounds the tannins through gentle oxidation while keeping oak flavour in the background and letting the granite minerality show. Farming is respectful of the land. The colour is bright ruby. The nose leads with red berries, plum and dried thyme over a smoky, stony note. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, with fine grained tannins, a peppery, liquorice-edged middle and an earthy, mineral finish. Serve at 16 degrees and decant young vintages. It suits roast lamb and game.