# Envínate Albahra (2024)

- **Producer:** Envínate
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Garnacha Tintorera, Moravia Agria
- **Region:** Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €20
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, rose, lavender, mint, black pepper

## About this wine

Envínate was founded by four winemaking friends—Laura Ramos, José Martínez, Roberto Santana, and Alfonso Torrente—who met while studying oenology at university. Their collective project focuses on non-interventionist farming and site-specific expressions across traditional Spanish terroirs. Albahra is sourced from high-altitude, organically farmed vineyards planted on chalky clay and limestone soils in the Almansa region of southeastern Castilla-La Mancha. The name Albahra stems from the Arabic word Al-bahr, meaning small sea, referencing the historical maritime trade links of the region.

## Interesting facts

- The name Albahra originates from the Arabic word Al-bahr, which translates to small sea.
- It blends Garnacha Tintorera with Moravia Agria, a rare, endangered native grape that provides natural acidity.
- Envínate was formed by four friends who met in oenology school and now farm native vineyards across Spain.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins balance rich, savory proteins like pork and lamb while cutting through rich tomato sauces. Its Mediterranean herbal side complements roasted meats and cured charcuterie effortlessly.

## Wine making process

Winemaking follows parcel-by-parcel vinification using indigenous yeasts. Garnacha Tintorera grapes are foot-trodden in open concrete vats with partial whole-cluster inclusion and macerated for six to ten days. The Moravia Agria is fully destemmed, macerated briefly, and fermented separately. Garnacha Tintorera matures on its fine lees in concrete vats, while Moravia Agria ages in neutral French oak barrels for around eight months. The final blend is bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur additions.