Algueira Carravel 2016

Algueira Carravel is a Mencía drawn from two parcels of mature vines on the slate and schist slopes of the Amandi gorge in Ribeira Sacra.

Ribeira Sacra follows the gorges of the Sil and Miño rivers in inland Galicia, where the vines are worked on terraces cut into near-vertical slopes. Amandi is its most celebrated sub-zone, a cool site whose slate and schist give Mencía perfume and tension rather than weight. Algueira, run by Fernando González Riveiro, has done as much as any producer to restore these terraces and to argue the case for the region's reds alongside its whites. Carravel comes from two parcels of mature vines that hug the steepest part of the gorge. The fruit was hand harvested, as it can only be here, then foot-trodden and fermented with roughly 30 per cent whole bunches in large wooden tronconique vats. Ageing ran for between twelve and eighteen months in neutral 600-litre barrels and some very old barriques, so the wood acts as a container rather than a seasoning.

Approachable now and capable of a decade, it goes with roast pork, grilled octopus and lentil dishes. Serve at 16-18°C.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.