Ponte da Boga Capricho de Merenzao 2019

Ponte da Boga, in the Ourense town of Castro Caldelas, is a centuries-old Ribeira Sacra winery set among hills so steep they can only be worked by what is called heroic viticulture. Capricho de Merenzao is made from Merenzao, a rare native grape also known as Trousseau, which the winery has helped revive. The Atlantic-cooled, high-altitude climate of Ribeira Sacra slows ripening and holds acidity, while the slate and granite terraces lend a mineral character, and Merenzao is naturally a pale, light-bodied and aromatic variety. The wine ages ten months in used French oak, which adds little overt oak flavour and instead allows gentle oxygen exchange to round the texture while leaving the fruit fresh and the structure delicate. The colour is pale ruby. The nose is perfumed, with red cherry and raspberry lifted by rose, thyme and black pepper over a savoury, earthy base. The palate is light bodied, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a mineral, persistent finish. Serve at 14 to 15 degrees, lightly cooled. It pairs well with roast duck, poultry and mushroom dishes.