Zonte’s Footsteps Splitting Hares Tempranillo Grenache 2021

A 65/35 blend of these two grapes of Spanish origin, this is an exuberant red which is cracking value. The team talk of splitting hairs in the search, by minute increments of the varieties in the blend, to get it right and to find the exact point “at which the juicy, fragrant Grenache just tames the savoury chewiness of the Tempranillo”. They describe the result as “a cheeky mezcla of red and blue fruit” (mezcla, not that my spellcheck is aware, is a Spanish word for a  mix or blend, which includes music and art as well as cooking, and presumably wine).

This is fresh and youthful, intriguingly savoury, with dried herbs, animal hide notes, leather and bay leaves. It has balance and a supple texture through to silky but abundant tannins with some mocha and coffee bean notes on the palate showing good length and intensity. Suggestions that this be enjoyed with a good pasta are fine but for me, it is way above the standard of a basic pasta/pizza wine. Not to split those hares, but why not with a rabbit stew? A joy now and for at least 6 to 7 years.