2019 O Diviso Valdeorras, Telmo Rodriguez

The 2019 O Diviso is named after a vineyard from As Ermitas in Valdeorras planted with a field blend of Mencía, Garnacha, Mouratón and Caíño. It's 1.2 hectares of old vines and 1.7 hectares being replanted on granite slopes on the banks of the Bibei River overlooking the Ermitas hermitage that are in the process of conversion to certified organic farming. After the frost of 2017 and mildew of 2018, 2019 was a normal vintage with good health and ripeness of grapes that were picked from October 2nd, slightly earlier than in 2018. It fermented in oak vats with indigenous yeasts followed by a gentle élevage in a neutral 600-liter oak barrel for 12 months. It has 13% alcohol and mellow acidity. I love this wine, but I must say it suffered in the comparison with the As Caborcas from this year, like it had a slightly more rustic touch. Perhaps the cooler place needs more time to express the soil and the wine is a little more reticent. It has a medium-bodied palate with cold granite minerality.

Quite a punchy and naturally expressive nose, with flinty white pepper, cooked agave, smoked wild herbs, wild strawberries and sour plum juice. Needs some time in the glass to open up its floral and berry allure. Medium-bodied and super-drinkable with soft, smoothly wound tannins. Bold freshness with a wild, leafy edge on the palate. Transparent and tangy