Atalaque (Rodriguez de Vera), Las Cárcavas Garnacha, Mentrida 2022 - 75cl

Méntrida rarely gets its due. This corner of Toledo, on sandy, stony slopes south-west of Madrid, grows old-vine Garnacha that can taste every bit as perfumed as the fashionable stuff from Gredos. Pepe Rodríguez de Vera makes the Atalaque wines here, and Las Cárcavas is his freshest, most immediate expression — the bottle to open when you want Garnacha for the joy of it.

It is 100% Garnacha, unoaked, raised in tank to keep the fruit bright. Expect a pale, luminous ruby and a lifted nose of strawberry and red cherry with a twist of black pepper and dried herb. The palate is light on its feet and silky, carrying its ripeness with real freshness rather than heat, and closing on a floral, clean finish. For a wine of some warmth, it drinks with surprising ease.

This is a Tuesday-night red that happens to have a proper sense of place. Drink it young, over the next couple of years.

How to Serve

Serve cool, around 12–14°C — a light chill flatters unoaked Garnacha and lifts the perfume. A standard glass is fine; no decanting needed.

Where to Drink It

Dandy on Maltby Street, where a chillable Spanish red fits the low-lit, small-plates mood. Or Brat in Shoreditch alongside something off the grill.

Food Pairings

Grilled lamb chops with a little cumin would be my pick. Failing that, a plate of jamón and some bread does the job nicely.