Viña Zorzal Cuatro del Cuatro 2022

Bodegas Zorzal was set up in 1989 to revive Navarra's indigenous grapes, working from 40 hectares near Fitero in the lower Ebro valley. Cuatro del Cuatro is made from Graciano, a late-ripening local variety prized for its colour, firm acidity and dark, savoury character, but rarely bottled on its own. The vineyards sit on gentle terrain that forms a cooler pocket among the surrounding plantings, an added freshness that suits a grape which holds its acidity well into a warm autumn. The wine spends twelve months in French oak barrels, which add fine spice and structure while the slow oxygen exchange rounds the naturally grippy Graciano tannins. The colour is a luminous garnet. The nose shows dark forest fruit, blackberry and bramble, with black pepper and a herbal, almost balsamic lift. The palate is fresh and savoury, with bright acidity, firm but fine tannins and a long, peppery finish marked by dried herbs and earth. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. Its acidity and grip make it a good partner for grilled and roast meats and earthy mushroom dishes.