Wine of the week

Rafa Cambra Tinto 2022 (Rafael Cambra)

Varieties: Monastrell and Garnacha

ABV: 13.5%

D.O. Valencia

£8.25 from the Wine Society

£8.25. Yes, you read that correctly! How did the Wine Society make this happen? Especially considering it’s from none other than winemaker Rafael Cambra!

I do love his wines. He’s located south of Valencia and north of Alicante, meaning he gets to enjoy a dry, inland climate. The vines live happily together with cereals, olives and almonds, conjuring up images of long days in the Mediterranean sun!

Anyway, let’s dive in. I like the look of this wine in the glass; it’s attractive. I get the sense that it’s not too chi-chi, but nor is it classic ‘Spain-in-a-glass’. It’s of the moment and very typical of the wines coming out of this region.

On the nose there’s some lovely sweet red fruits, with a little dusty herbaceous note giving out a Mediterranean vibe for sure. There’s certainly a little spice and pepper too.

In the mouth, it’s soft, maybe straying more towards black fruits, and with real length and juiciness. It’s gluggy! There’s plenty of freshness here too (certainly one for Mrs H…you know who you are!). Rafa takes a hands-off approach to winemaking and it’s certainly coming through here. Perfect for a sunny afternoon.

It looks like the Wine Society has pulled a blinder here, having secured some exclusivity, as it doesn’t appear to be available anywhere else. I guess that’s the beauty of the Wine Society.

Whilst on their website I noticed there was a review from someone called Tim B: “Raspberry and cranberry fruit in a lightly peppered, but well-structured complexity. Well worth enjoying slightly chilled in the garden with tapas.”

Well Tim B, I agree wholeheartedly!