Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola Giró de Abargues 2024

Pepe Mendoza is a leading figure in Alicante viticulture, and under the Casa Agrícola label he and his wife Pepa Agulló set out to bottle the character of the Marina Alta, the coastal hill country in the north of the appellation. Giró is the local name for Garnacha, and this organic red comes from old vineyards rooted in the limestone and clay soils typical of the area. The Mediterranean climate brings warm, dry summers, while sea breezes and altitude moderate the heat and help preserve freshness and the grape's herbal, garrigue character. Old vines and low yields concentrate the fruit. The wine is aged 12 months in 500 litre French oak barrels, a larger format than the standard barrique, so the wood contact is gentler and the oxygen exchange slower, rounding the tannins and adding subtle spice without masking the fruit or the wild-herb signature of the site. The colour is bright ruby. The nose shows ripe red berries, plum and cherry over thyme, rosemary and a peppery, savoury edge, and the palate is medium to full bodied at 13.5 percent, with supple tannins, fresh acidity and a warm, herb-tinged finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It pairs well with lamb and grilled meats.