Tesalia Iceni 2024

Tesalia is an Andalusian estate near Arcos de la Frontera in Cádiz, where Richard Golding planted vines after finding clay-rich soils over a chalk subsoil. Iceni blends Syrah with Tintilla de Rota, a near-forgotten local variety, in a warm southern climate tempered by Atlantic and coastal influence. The chalk subsoil holds water and reflects light, helping the vines ripen fully while keeping the wines fresh, and Tintilla brings deep colour and acidity to the spicy frame of the Syrah. Five months in French oak barrels rounds the tannins and adds a measured spice through slow oxygen exchange, a short ageing that keeps the fruit to the fore. The wine is dense purple-red. The nose is dark and savoury, with blackberry, plum and a smoky, peppery edge lifted by dried herbs and a hint of olive, while the palate is full bodied and warm, with firm but ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a liquorice-tinged finish. Serve at 17 degrees Celsius, decanted. It suits grilled lamb, beef and spiced dishes.