Pie Firme 2020

A southern red from vines still standing on their own roots.

Ben: In the cellar there are no pumps; the tanks are filled by hand and the cap is pushed down by hand every day. Old-school in the literal sense. Most European vines grow on grafted American roots — phylloxera ate the original ones in the 19th century. Jumilla's poor limestone and sandy soils kept the louse away until 1989, so vines here can still stand on their own: 55-year-old Monastrell on its own feet, which is what "pie firme" means.

In your glass: Not the jammy Jumilla you might expect: medium-deep ruby, a fresh, fine attack, red and dark fruit with aromatic herbs, and a very fine limestone grip. The cellar keeps its hands off: no pumps, small lots per parcel, then well over a year in French barrels and large casks. Pick it when you want a southern red that stays fluid at the table; if you're after a big, sweet-fruited blockbuster, this one goes the other way.

Serve it: If the room is warm, 15 minutes in the fridge.

You’ll probably love it if: You like southern reds with freshness and a story — vines still standing on their own roots, with rice dishes, grilled meat or tuna.

Skip it if: Want the same south but easier and cheaper → the red Bilaire (€10.50). Want the classic oaky Ribera → Finca la Atalaya (€31.30).