£25.00
Founded in 2005, Envinate (translating as “wine yourself”) is a project between four forward-looking enology students - Roberto Santana, Alfonso Torrente, Laura Ramos, and José Martínez. They encapsulate well the new approach to winemaking taking hold in Spain which is pro Envinate are making these honest and exciting wines in four areas of Spain currently – Tenerife, Ribeira Sacra Castilla la Mancha, and Extremadura.
In making these authentic wines there are a number of rules in their approach to viticulture/vinification. No chemicals are used in any of their wines, fruit is picked by hand, grapes are foot trodden, and fermentation is conducted using native yeasts from the locale. To achieve the transparency and sense of place (terroir) wines are raised in neutral oak and concrete. Sulphur is only used when absolutely necessary at the bottling stage.
Albahra hails from the eastern end of La Mancha, close to Albercete. It is a blend of blend of 70% Garnacha Tintorera (aka Alicante Bouschet) and 30% Moravia Agria vinified separately prior to blending. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
On the nose the wine is precise, with bright red fruit and floral notes. A hint of spice and crushed rock complements this. There is, as is typical of Envinate, a lively acidity to the wine and it feels very fresh on the palette. Delicious and very quaffable.
Pair with grilled vegetables, tomato based pasta dishes, or simply enjoy on its own.