# Barranco Oscuro Varetão (2022)

- **Producer:** Barranco Oscuro
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo
- **Region:** Andalucía, Spain
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, dried herbs, black cherry, red cherry, black plum, wet stones, earth

## About this wine

Barranco Oscuro Varetão is a red wine from the Alpujarras region of Granada, Andalusia, Spain. Produced by Barranco Oscuro, a winery known for its natural winemaking practices, the wine is made primarily from Tempranillo, referred to locally as 'Varetúo'. The vineyards are situated at exceptionally high altitudes, around 1,300 meters above sea level, making them some of the highest in continental Europe. This extreme terroir, combined with the producer's philosophy of minimal intervention, results in a wine that reflects the purity of its origin. The winery is dedicated to organic farming and natural winemaking, with a focus on expressing the unique character of the Alpujarras.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards are among the highest in continental Europe.
- Local name for Tempranillo is 'Varetúo'.
- Winery uses indigenous yeasts for fermentation.
- No formal organic certification, deeming it insufficient.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and firm yet soft tannins are well-suited to complement the protein and fat in red meats. The inherent freshness from the high-altitude vineyards can cut through richer dishes, while potential mineral notes can echo earthy flavors in food.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process at Barranco Oscuro for Varetão emphasizes natural methods. Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts, without temperature control. Maceration lasts for approximately five days. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for about a year in used European oak barrels. The producer adheres to organic farming practices and a philosophy of minimal intervention, avoiding formal organic certification in favor of their own rigorous standards. The winery also incorporates innovative elements by focusing on high-altitude viticulture and highlighting indigenous grape varietals.