Palacio de Canedo PICANTAL 2011

Red wines from the Dao should always demonstrate a certain succulence from a combination of altitude and granitic soils, but Maias Tinto goes the extra mile. At these even higher vineyards (around 650m), Jaen (Tinta Mencia) captures in the glass delicious crunchy fruit in this medium bodied wine. Maias is the local name for the Weaver's Broom plant which surrounds the estate here (its yellow flowers blossom in May in this part of Dao, hence its nickname - Maio is the word for May).

Unoaked red from Bierzo in the cooler north-west of Spain. Mencía is the grape and it makes a fruity, plump and joyful style of wine that is a delight drunk lightly chilled. Luna Beberide are pioneers in this corner of the country, farming sustainably, without herbicides or pesticides. The vines are planted on south-facing slopes at 700-metres above sea level for the freshness that altitude brings.

Dark ruby in colour. Savory aromas on the nose with mineral and black fruit. Well-structured and elegant, with mineral, smoky, balsamic, and subtle hints of black fruit

Intense red fruit with some lovely balsamic notes, black olives and minerality held up by a refreshing acidity. This certainly has a Burgundian vibe about it.