Viña Pomal Vinos Singulares Garnacha 2019

Bodegas Bilbaínas, the historic Rioja house behind Viña Pomal, made this Vinos Singulares bottling from a single grape, Garnacha, rather than the usual Tempranillo-led Rioja blend. Garnacha ripens to high sugars and gives ripe red fruit, a peppery edge and a generous, warming character, and the warm Rioja vineyards push it to a full 14.5 percent. The wine is aged ten months in 500-litre French oak barrels, larger than the standard cask so the oak influence stays gentle, softening the tannins and adding light spice through slow oxygen exchange, then rested a year in bottle to integrate before release. It is medium to deep ruby in the glass, with a nose of ripe red berries, plum and liquorice over a peppery, herbal warmth and a touch of vanilla. The palate is full bodied and ripe, with generous red fruit, soft rounded tannins and a warm, spiced finish. The bottle ageing shows in the harmony of fruit and oak. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, in a large glass. It is made for roast lamb, grilled beef and game.