Soto Manrique Alto de la Estrella 2021

Bodega Soto y Manrique works in D.O. Cebreros, in the Sierra de Gredos of Castilla y León, one of Spain's great high-altitude sites for old-vine Garnacha. The vineyards sit on decomposed granite at altitude, where poor sandy soils, big day-to-night temperature swings and a long, cool growing season give fresh, perfumed reds rather than heavy ones, even at fourteen and a half percent. The old Garnacha vines are organically and sustainably farmed and yield small crops of concentrated fruit. After fermentation the wine spends fourteen months in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange firms the tannins and adds a savoury spice frame while the granite minerality and bright acidity stay in the foreground. The colour is medium ruby. The nose leads with raspberry and redcurrant over crushed pepper, wild thyme and a stony, earthy undertone. The palate is medium to full bodied but lifted, with fresh acidity, fine grainy tannins and a long mineral finish carrying liquorice and dried herbs. Serve at 16 degrees, decanting briefly. It pairs well with roast lamb, game and mushroom dishes.