2020 Tierra Adentro - Nebbiolo Cabernet Zacatecas (750ml)

Tierra Adentro calls itself "El Vino Mexicano de Altura," the Mexican wine of altitude, and for good reason. It's the flagship label of Campo Real Vinícola, a project over 40 years in the making. The López family originally planted grapes in Trancoso, Zacatecas, working simply as farmers who sold fruit to other wineries, before eventually deciding to make their own wine with their first vintage in 2010. The vineyards sit at over 7,500 feet above sea level, an extreme, high-altitude climate in a state with no major river and often less than 12 inches of annual rain. Great diurnal temperature shifts and protective netting against hail shape the fruit here.

This bottling is a blend of 80% Nebbiolo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from 17-year-old vines in the Arcinas Valley, planted at 2,200 meters on clay and sandy soils under a Mediterranean climate, hand harvested and trained with single guyot pruning.

In the glass it shows ruby red with orange highlights at the rim. The nose carries real aromatic intensity, with notes of red fruit, cherry, clay, rose, vanilla, and subtle balsamic tones. On the palate it's light, fluid, and elegant, with balanced tannins and pronounced acidity, showing flavors of cherry, cranberry, and spice with a touch of anise.

Tierra Adentro recommends pairing this wine with Mexican and Italian dishes, particularly grilled meats, pepper-forward preparations, burgers, lamb, mushrooms, and truffle.