Viña Elena Bruma del Estrecho Finca Mandiles 2022

Bruma del Estrecho de Marín, the Viña Elena project in D.O. Jumilla in Murcia, makes this wine from a single old vineyard, Mandiles, where Monastrell vines of more than sixty five years grow in rocky ground in the heart of the Estrecho de Marín. Jumilla is hot and dry, and old, deep rooted vines on poor, stony soils are central here, drawing water from depth, yielding tiny crops and concentrating the fruit while the cool nights of the inland plateau preserve freshness. Despite the warmth, the wine is handled for vivacity and lift rather than weight. After fermentation it spends around ten months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens Monastrell's firm tannins and adds spice and structure without heavy toast. The colour is bright ruby. The nose shows red berries such as strawberry and raspberry, plum, cracked pepper and dried Mediterranean herbs over a touch of liquorice. The palate is full and warming at 15% alcohol but kept lively by fresh acidity, with ripe tannins and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits grilled and roasted meat.