Sierra Cantabria Mágico 2020

Sierra Cantabria is a respected Rioja producer working at the foot of the mountain range that gives it its name, in the north of Spain. Mágico is a field blend led by Tempranillo with Garnacha and other old red varieties grown together. The vineyards sit on chalky clay and stony soils at altitude, where the cool nights and wide diurnal range hold acidity and colour while the fruit ripens fully. Old vines give low yields of concentrated grapes, and farming is organic and biodynamic. Native yeast fermentation is followed by twenty months in French oak, a long élevage where slow oxygen exchange builds a fine, integrated tannin structure and adds spice and savoury depth without burying the fruit. The wine is deep cherry red, with blackberry, ripe plum and black cherry over spice, tobacco and a mineral edge. The palate is full and structured, the tannins ripe and polished, the acidity fresh, the finish long. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting ahead. It pairs with roast lamb, grilled beef, mushroom dishes and aged hard cheese.