Peixes da Rocha 2019

Peixes da Rocha is a Galician red without denomination of origin made by Bodegas Peixes, the project of Jesús and Curro from Fedellos do Couto, outside D.O. Ribeira Sacra in the high Ourense massif. They farm five hectares of vineyards near Viana do Bollo, between Valdeorras and Ribeira Sacra, on cold-exposed slopes pushed to the edge of where the grapes can fully ripen. The blend draws on local varieties including Garnacha Tintorera, Godello, Grao Negro, Mencía and Mouratón, co-fermented in the traditional Galician way. The altitude and Atlantic chill hold the alcohol low at 12.5 percent and keep the acidity bright, while the granite and slate subsoils lend a stony cut. The wine spends 12 months in used French oak, which adds texture without overlaying the fruit, since older barrels give little new wood character. The colour is bright ruby, the nose offers red berries, redcurrant and cracked pepper over earth and wild thyme. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, with fine tannins and a savoury, slightly smoky finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, lightly cool. It suits poultry and game birds.