Soldado Galante 2024

Malahierba work in D.O. Sierra de Salamanca, a small mountainous appellation in the south of Castilla y Leon. The blend centres on Rufete, a delicate local variety, with Aragones and the white Rufete Blanco field-blended in. Rufete is thin-skinned and aromatic, giving pale, perfumed reds rather than dark, powerful ones. The vineyards sit on granite and slate at altitude, where cool nights and poor soils keep yields low and preserve freshness and floral aromatics. Despite a long eighteen months in barrel, the wine stays light and fragrant, the oak used to soften the slender tannins through slow oxygen exchange and to add a faint spice while the fruit and florals remain central. Expect a light to medium red with red cherry and redcurrant fruit, rose and violet florals, dried mountain herbs and a peppery, earthy finish. The palate is fresh and silky with fine tannins. Serve cool at 14 to 16 degrees. Like Pinot Noir it suits lighter dishes, from roast poultry to mushrooms, rather than heavy red meat.