Deep in a cave in the hillside of Roales de Campos sits Bodegas Belote, a low-intervention winery set on keeping Spanish winemaking tradition alive. The succulent Prieto Picudo grapes are grown on clay loam soils at an altitude of 900m.Hand-harvested and fermented spontaneously in concrete, it's then racked into neutral French oak barrels where it rests for twelve months. The result is a cherry-colored red with delightful blackberry and dark plum aromas and flavors as well as distinct savory notes of black olive, a kiss of smoke and a hint of earth. Medium-bodied with firm, dry tannins, crisp acidity and an earthy finish, it pairs well alongside sherry braised beef short ribs or a traditional Paella Valenciana.
