Academia Nocturnos Bobal, Spain (6 bottle case)

Tasting Notes: Aromas of ripe cherry, damson and vanilla with herbaceous hints precede a juicy, balanced palate with smooth, mature tannins and a hint of liquorice.

Producer: Located in the unheralded region of Utiel-Requena, Pago de Tharsys is an old estate which dates back to 1805. It was purchased by the Garcia family in 1981 and they began adding plots of vines in the early 1990s. Their Academia de Nocturnos range is an homage to the mythical ‘Nocturnal Academy’ of 16th Century Valencia, where well-known artists and novelists used to meet – always with a glass of wine in hand!

Winemaking: Bobal is the region's flagship native grape variety and makes up the majority of vine plantings. Established as an appellation in the 1950s, Utiel-Requena has a long history of viticulture dating back to the 7th Century BCE.