Sayago

A wine with primary aromas? Sayago. Sayago smells of live fruit, fresh, presenting primary aromas in their purest form, Tempranillo aromas... until the doubts start to creep in. Are we sure this is a Tempranillo? If we knew its composition, we might possibly understand the reason behind some of the notes that gradually appear with time in the glass, particularly the smoky ones, but anyone who tastes it blind, knowing only that it is a wine from Zamora, would certainly be in for a surprise.

Sayago has an unusual blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Pinot Noir; yet it is most successful. It is not a particularly complex wine but don't imagine this means it is simple, because it isn't; this wine is direct, with clean aromas, made very well, which must be congratulated on its accessibility and its good price; it is so easy to drink, almost addictive.

In appearance it is compact with medium-high density; the Tempranillo prevails. It is particularly interesting on the nose, due to that predominance of fruit, enriched with notes of black pepper, pencil shavings and subtle smokiness (emanating from the Pinot Noir, perhaps?) The wood is perfectly integrated and the tannins do not appear until much later, without cause for concern. It is a balanced wine, with good body, fresh overall with a subtle sweet touch on the palate, and again leaves a smoky finish on the aftertaste.

A wine that comes forward as a Tempranillo but takes its leave as a Pinot Noir; interesting and delicious. Try it with rather rich meat dishes, sausages and ham, or a lovely duck casserole. The bottle will disappear pretty quickly!