Rico – Nuevo Jirón de Niebla 2020

Rico-Nuevo Viticultores is the small project of Juan Andrés Martín Pérez, known as Juanan, working old Garnacha bush vines in the D.O. Cebreros, on the southern flank of the Sierra de Gredos. The vineyards sit on decomposed granite at altitude, a thin acidic soil that drains fast and forces the roots deep, holding back vigour and yield. Wide day to night temperature swings at these elevations slow ripening and preserve natural acidity, which is what gives mountain Garnacha its lift rather than the jammy weight of warmer sites. Fruit comes from the El Sotillo area and is fermented and then aged in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves softens the tannins and settles the wine without burying the fruit. The result is pale to medium ruby, with a perfumed nose of wild raspberry, red cherry and crushed rose, backed by a granitic, almost stony freshness. The palate is light to medium bodied, with bright acidity, fine grained tannin and a savoury, peppery finish that stays fresh. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, in a Burgundy style glass. Good with roast game birds, mushroom dishes and herb roasted vegetables.