A desert where it almost never rains, yet transformed into a lush garden thanks to human ingenuity and the protection of the towering Andes peaks. We are in the Ica Valley, Peru, a place that seems to come straight out of an adventure story and which today is home to one of South America’s most exciting wine producers: Bodega Intipalka. Here, the land demands constant challenge. The soil is poor and stony, yet the altitude of around 500 metres and the dramatic temperature variation between day and night allow the grapes to retain a vibrant freshness that surprises from the very first sip. This Intipalka Reserva is a wine that breaks convention, born from a form of “heroic” viticulture in an environment where drip irrigation is the vines’ only lifeline. A blend of two French grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, bringing structure and notes of dark fruit, and Petit Verdot, added to provide that touch of deep colour and refined spice that makes it unforgettable. Fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature, 40% of the wine is aged for six months in French oak barriques. This oak ageing is essential, as it softens the tannins without masking the wine’s fruity soul. In the glass, it displays a deep and intense ruby-red colour. On the nose, it bursts with ripe black fruit, especially plum and blackcurrant, accompanied by intriguing hints of wild strawberry and cassis. With oxygenation, more complex notes emerge, including black pepper, cloves and delicate hints of coffee and vanilla. On the palate, it is smooth and enveloping, with polished tannins leading to a long and remarkably clean finish. Perfect with fillet steak in green peppercorn sauce or grilled sliced beef steak. Excellent also with slow-cooked lamb, perhaps seasoned with aromatic herbs.