Pittacum 2021

Bodegas Pittacum makes this red in D.O. Bierzo in Castilla y León, from the local Mencía grape grown on old vines spread over around 200 different sloping plots. The hillside sites give good drainage and deep soils, often slate and clay over rock, which encourage even ripening and lend Mencía its characteristic freshness and mineral grip. Harvesting is by hand into small 12kg crates to keep the bunches intact, and the fruit passes over a selection table before fermentation. The wine then completes malolactic fermentation to soften acidity and spends eight months in French and American oak. The two oak types add complementary spice, French for finer vanilla and clove, American for a rounder, sweeter tone, while the barrel exchange settles tannin and colour. The wine is bright in the glass, with a nose of strawberry, raspberry and ripe cherry lifted by a peppery, faintly floral note. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, with supple tannin, bright acidity and a savoury, stony finish that marks the Bierzo origin. Serve at 15 to 16C. It suits grilled meats, pork and mushroom dishes.