Barbacoa is the Spanish ritual of grilling that brings friends and family together under the sky of the Meseta. Here it is presented by Bodegas Gallegas, a winery that for over sixty years has told the story of Spanish winemaking with a straightforward, no-frills approach. Founded by Manuel Vázquez, the company has grown from a small family winery into an international reference point, while keeping its feet firmly on the ground. The star of this label is Tempranillo, Spain’s flagship grape variety, used here as a single varietal. Its name comes from “temprano,” meaning early, as it is one of the first grapes to ripen, thus preserving good acidity despite the Spanish sun. The grapes are carefully harvested and vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. In the glass, Barbacoa Tempranillo impresses with its intense, very clear and vibrant ruby red colour. On the nose, it is an explosion of red fruit. Ripe cherry, plum and a light hint of undergrowth clearly emerge, adding depth to the bouquet. On the palate, it reveals a wine of great balance. The sip is full and enveloping, supported by refined tannins that are never aggressive but instead caress the palate with elegance. This is a wine made to be enjoyed immediately, at the peak of its fruity freshness. As mentioned, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as a classic beef steak or herb-marinated lamb chops. It also works well with a selection of aged cheeses, where the wine’s structure stands up to intense flavours. Finally, it is an ideal companion for a platter of Iberian cured meats such as jamón serrano.