Ronsel do Sil 'Vel'uveyra' Ribeira Sacra Tinto 2021

Ronsel do Sil is situated in one of the world's most extreme grape growing regions, the Ribeira Sacra DO of northwestern Spain. With vineyards planted throughout treacherously steep slopes (ranging from 300 to 700 meters above sea level), all pruning, maintenance, and harvest is carried out by hand on old terraces built by the ancient Romans called Bancales. Maria José Yravedra is an absolute visionary for the region, producing wines that not only show incredible varietal integrity, but she accomplishes this through natural farming and biodynamic principles, making around 45,000 bottles a year from their 10 hectare estate. Her philosophy is based on what she calls 'heroic' viticulture, reflecting a sincere balance with nature, though love and compromise with the land. Aside from composting each year with gorse (the last harvest's pruning and remains), sheep graze the vineyards once a year to add their natural flare and keep excess plants at bay. In the cellar, an absolutely minimal approach is the secret to each perfect bottling, with a gravity flow system instead of pumps, all old wood and concrete use for aging, and very little sulfur additions, letting the native grapes of the area tell their individual story

The wine is delicious with spicy dark fruit on the nose. Medium body with good clarity. Dark core. Blue/purple with a watery edge. Has the Syrah like character typical of Mencia. Hint of white pepper and brambly fruit. Fresh on the palate with good acidity. Only 12.5% alcohol.