Pícaro del Águila Clarete 2023

Dominio del Aguila is the project of Jorge Monzon and Isabel Rodero in La Aguilera, Burgos, in the Ribera del Duero. Monzon trained in Bordeaux and worked at Domaine de la Romanee Conti and Vega Sicilia before returning home. This Clarete follows the old Castilian tradition of co fermenting red and white grapes together, here Tempranillo with Albillo, Bobal and Garnacha from old, eco farmed vines. The vineyards sit on the limestone and clay soils of the high Duero plateau, where altitude and a wide diurnal range preserve acidity and aromatic detail. Including the white Albillo in the blend lightens the colour and adds aromatic lift, while skin contact and a portion of red grapes give gentle structure and savoury depth. Ageing in barrel rounds the texture and adds a faint spice and toast through slow oxygen exchange. The colour is a pale, old style clarete pink. The nose shows red berries, cherry and white peach over dried herbs, earth and a vanilla hint from the wood. The palate is dry and textured, with fresh acidity, a savoury, mineral core and a long finish. Serve at 11 to 12 degrees.