Ponte da Boga Porto de Lobos 2019

Ponte da Boga is a centuries-old winery in Ribeira Sacra, the Galician appellation famed for its steep river terraces and what is known as heroic viticulture, where vines are tended by hand on slopes too sheer for machinery. Since 2005 the winery has worked to revive ancient native varieties, and Porto de Lobos is made from Brancellao, a rare, light-bodied grape. The Atlantic-influenced, cool climate and altitude here preserve acidity and aromatic lift, while the slate and granite soils of the terraces add a mineral edge. The wine ages ten months in used French oak, which adds little oak flavour and instead allows gentle oxygen exchange to round the texture while keeping the fruit fresh and the alcohol modest. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose is perfumed, with red berries, cherry and a floral rose note over black pepper and a savoury, earthy edge. The palate is light to medium bodied, with fine tannins, fresh acidity and a delicate, mineral finish. Serve at 14 to 15 degrees, lightly cooled. It pairs well with roast duck, poultry and mushroom dishes.