Soto Y Manrique Las Violetas Garnacha 2023

Bodega Soto y Manrique make Las Violetas in D.O. Cebreros, in the Gredos mountains of Ávila, from Garnacha Tinta planted at varying altitudes. Jesús María Soto founded the winery after years in the wine trade, taking over the town's old cooperative to make mountain wines with his daughters and partners. Cebreros sits on decomposed granite soils at high elevation, where poor, free-draining sand and a wide diurnal range produce small berries with bright acidity and perfume rather than weight. Old bush vines keep yields low and lend concentration. The wine is aged for 14 months in 10,000 litre foudres, large enough that the oak adds almost no flavour and instead lets the wine settle and soften while keeping its fruit and freshness intact. The colour is bright medium ruby. The nose is floral and lifted, with red cherry, wild raspberry, dried herbs and crushed pepper over a granite minerality. The palate is fresh and detailed, with fine tannin and a savoury, stony finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled if you like. It pairs with roast pork, poultry and mushroom dishes.