Algueira’s varietal Caíño Tinto is drawn from a steep, terraced vineyard on gneiss, quartz and slate soils. Mentioned in records as early as 1790, this indigenous variety is making a comeback in Galicia. Algueira’s Caíño produces small, compact bunches with thick skins, so the variety is fermented as whole bunches before aging for 18 months in used French oak barrels.Although you have the intoxicating proposition of tasting something totally unique, rather than being just an exercise in aroma- and flavour-archaeology, there is tremendous personality here; high-toned fragrance of red and black fruits with a textured, lacy palate with sweet, anise-scented berries, mouth-hugging tannins and a juicy and powdery structure.