Viña Meín Tinto 2021

Viña Meín, now run under Alma Carraovejas, works the granite and slate slopes of the Ribeiro valley in Galicia, a cool, Atlantic-influenced corner of north-west Spain. This red revives the region's indigenous varieties, a field blend led by Souson with Caíño Longo, Caíño Tinto, Brancellao, Garnacha Tintorera and Ferrol. The Atlantic climate and high acidity keep the alcohol low at 11.5 percent and lend the wine its taut, fresh frame, while the granitic soils add a saline mineral cut. Vinification runs through stainless steel and barrel over ten months, the steel protecting the bright fruit and the barrel adding only a light texture without heavy oak character. The colour is bright, light ruby. The nose is lifted and herbal, with red berries, sour cherry, rhubarb and a wild, earthy edge. The palate is light bodied and high in acidity, the tannin fine and grainy, the finish dry, peppery and saline. This is an elegant, rustic style best served cool at 14 to 15 degrees. It rewards game birds and earthy autumn cooking.