Heirloom Alcala Grenache 2020

Old timers must wonder what on earth is going on with Grenache. Once, a workhorse at best, for everything from light rosé to heavy fortifieds (and the odd muffin), mentioning it on a label was near vinous suicide. Today, this grape is seriously hot stuff and deservedly so. One does not have to be a genius to work out why. Just try wines like these. 

Whole bunch fermentation here, basket pressing and storage in French oak. The colour is pale red. The nose is a cornucopia of seriously alluring aromas – florals, raspberries, aniseed, spices, tobacco leaf with coffee grinds and almond notes on the finish. A fresh and vibrant style with great length. Bright acidity and abundant tannins, satiny and melting. Gorgeous drinking now but it will sail through a decade in the cellar. If only the old timers had known just how brilliant this grape could be (I suspect they did – blame the marketing departments!).