DO Utiel-Requena, Valencia, Spain
Chozas Carrascal is one of 17 wineries with Spain’s highest designation, Vino de Pago. They have been daring in their viticulture approach, planting vines at a density of 1,335/acre (3,300/ha), far denser than any vineyards nearby. This forces vines to compete for water and nutrients and drives yields down. The vineyards grow on a slight slope. Sunlight, cool coastal breezes and loamy, chalky soil all contribute to the quality of the wines produced.
An elegant and fresh vintage with a fruit-forward nose of black plum, strawberry, anise, black cherry, tobacco and hints of red pepper. Subtle tannins with bright pops of acidity leading to a lengthy, velvety finish. A light chill is best for this red ideally paired with BBQ; braised pork; or charcuteria and aged Manchego.