(2025) From Valdeorras in Spain, this is 100% Merenzao from the tiny Los Carismáticos vineyard, planted in terraces and shaped like an amphiteathre. The vines are more than 50 years old and the poor soil is worked manually. Spontaneous fermentation in large, 2,500 litre foudres. It has a pale cherry colour at six years old, the nose lightly truffly with small cranberry and redcurrant fruit aromas, and an interesting green-ish, mineral aspect. In the mouth it is firm and savoury, with a certain suede-like character to the texture. The fruit is again taut, small red berries, and its a wine with a tight core of acidity and tannin. Intriguing stuff, which would work well against Parmesan or mature cheddar I think.

(2025) From the single vineyard 'As Ermitas' which is just one hectare in size and sits at 750 metres altitude, the vines here very old, planted in 1958. It is dominated by Mencia, but a variety of local grapes are co-planted in this vineyard. Six second-use barrels were produced, the wine fermented with native yeasts and spending 12 months oak. There is warmth to the colour of this 2020 wine compared to the purple of the younger wines tasted, and a sweet and spicy bramble and earth profile that also carries a floral touch. In the mouth the acidity of the Mencia grape slices through the richness afforded by the barrel ageing and development of the ripe fruit. This finishes long, with a spicy edge to the fruit and tannins. Watch the video for more information.