Telmo Rodríguez Pegaso Arrebatacapas 2022

Telmo Rodriguez farms Pegaso Arrebatacapas from a small, abandoned vineyard he recovered on the slopes of the Sierra de Gredos in Castilla y Leon, planted in 1953 at around 1,050 metres on slate soils streaked with quartz. The grape is old-vine Garnacha, farmed biodynamically. The high altitude and the wide diurnal swing it brings let the fruit ripen fully, reaching 15.4 percent, while holding the acidity and freshness that keep a wine of this power balanced. The slate and quartz drive a clear mineral, stony character through the palate. Ageing runs 18 months in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange resolves the tannin and frames the fruit with spice rather than obvious oak. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is layered, with ripe strawberry and cherry, black pepper, dried herbs and a stony, mineral lift. The palate is full bodied and intense yet fresh, the tannin fine, the acidity bright for the alcohol, the finish long and mineral. This is a serious mountain Garnacha. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted ahead, with roasted meats and game.