Algueira Ribeira Sacra Amaral 2019

Algueira Amaral is a varietal Caíño Tinto, a rare Galician red grape recorded in the region as far back as 1790.

Ribeira Sacra's terraces are best known for Mencía, but Algueira has built a reputation on reviving the area's minor indigenous varieties, and Caíño Tinto is among the most distinctive. The fruit comes from a steep terraced vineyard on gneiss, quartz and slate, worked entirely by hand as the gradients allow nothing else. Caíño Tinto ripens in small, compact bunches with thick skins, which gives colour and firm structure but also demands care in the cellar. Here the variety is fermented as whole bunches, which tempers the tannin and lifts the aromatics, then aged for eighteen months in used French oak barrels so the wood adds structure rather than flavour. What emerges is high-toned and fragrant, with a lacy, textured palate, anise-scented berry fruit and a juicy, powdery finish rather than weight.

Drink now and over the next eight years with roast pork, duck or grilled mushrooms. 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.