Piélago 2021

Jimenez-Landi is based in Mentrida, in the Sierra de Gredos west of Madrid, and works old Garnacha vines on the granite slopes of the sierra with a low-intervention approach, avoiding chemical treatments and keeping sulphur to a minimum. Pielago is all Garnacha from vines aged between forty and seventy years. The granite and sandy soils of Gredos drain hard and give the Garnacha a perfumed, mineral quality quite unlike the ripe, jammy style the grape can show on the plains, while the altitude and cool nights preserve acidity and floral aromatics. Old vines and low yields bring concentration and depth to a small crop. Fifteen months in French oak rounds the tannin and adds a light spice without covering the fruit. At 14.5% the wine keeps a fresh, high-toned character. The colour is medium ruby. The nose is red berries, cherry and plum, with black pepper, dried herbs and a violet lift. The palate is medium bodied, the tannins fine-grained and the acidity bright, closing on a savoury, stony finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanting briefly. It suits roast lamb, beef and game.