50% prieto picudo, 35% tempranillo and 15% merlot. Bright ruby. Highly aromatic nose melds musky red and dark berries, flowers, smoke and tobacco. Perfumed and sweet in the mouth, with a velvety texture and sweet blackberry flavor lifted by notes of pepper and spice. Zesty acidity gives a taut, energetic quality to this fruit-driven wine and carries the finish. An excellent value.

Alaia is a no-oak blend of 50% Prieto Picudo (one of the more interesting of the indigenous varietals), 35% Tempranillo, and 15% Merlot from Castilla y León. Dark ruby-colored, it offers a fragrant, fruity nose of blackberry, blueberry, and black currant. Supple, fleshy, and ripe, this forward, tasty effort is all about pleasure. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. An excellent value!