Peique El Rapolao Vino de Paraje 2019 2022

Peique sources this wine from El Rapolao, a named site in the Bierzo region of Castilla y León spanning around twenty six hectares split across more than three hundred old vine plots. The soils here mix slate, quartzite and clay over schist, free draining and poor, which keeps yields low and concentrates the Mencía. Bierzo sits in a sheltered valley with an Atlantic influence, and the cool nights at altitude preserve acidity and the grape's fresh red fruit and floral character. The vines are old, with deep roots that draw on the mineral subsoil and give the wine its savoury, stony depth. After fermentation it ages twelve months in oak barrels, where measured oxygen exchange rounds the tannins and adds a frame of cedar and smoke without overwhelming the fruit. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose offers wild raspberry, cherry and plum over black pepper, earth and a smoky mineral note. The palate is medium to full bodied with firm but fine tannins, fresh acidity and a long savoury finish. Serve at sixteen degrees, decanting young vintages. It pairs well with roast meats, game and mushroom dishes.