Pícaro del Águila 2022

The 2022 Pícaro del Águila Tinto has similar parameters to the 2021 (14% alcohol), but the sensation is of higher ripeness. Surprisingly enough, it has a lower pH than the 2021 I tasted next to it; they used more white to give it freshness and more of the other varieties. It has chalky, dry tannins, reflecting the terroir more, which is remarkable for such a warm and dry year. This is more serious, and the 2021 is more approachable. A triumph over the vintage. 61,757 bottles and 1,979 magnums produced. It was bottled in January 2024.

Pícaro is Jorge Monzón's entry-point red wine, although such is the fame of his domaine that the price is a pretty punchy €30. Based on Tinto Fino, with the remaining 5% made up of five other co-planted red and white grapes, this has good structure and perfume from 80% whole bunches, plenty of dark berry concentration, grippy tannins and well-integrated older oak. 2025-30