Barbas de Gata
Pre-phylloxera Garnacha vines in the granite sands of Sierra de Gata at nearly 900 metres altitude. Ruby red with a light, bright robe. The nose reveals wet stone, earth, and abundant red fruit, complemented by spices and balsamic notes. On the palate, fresh fruit, high acidity, medium body, and a long aftertaste — embodying the best attributes of high-altitude Garnacha.
| Producer | Pagos Balancines |
| Region | Ribera del Guadiana |
| Appellation | D.O. Ribera del Guadiana |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Grape variety | Pre-phylloxera Garnacha |
| Type | Red |
| Soil | Red calcareous clay |
| Vineyard altitude | 560 m |
| Orientation | South-west |
| Farming | Certified organic |
| Vinification | Grapes are chilled in cold storage at temperatures up to 6 °C, then sorted and destemmed. Each parcel is fermented separately in 500-litre barrels with controlled temperature. The wine is aged for 18 months in old French oak barrels, followed by blending and bottling. |
| Oak ageing | Old French oak (500 L), 18 mo |
| Alcohol | 14% |
| Body | Medium-full |
| Acidity | Medium |
| Serving temperature | 16–18°C |
| Cellaring potential | 4–8 yrs |
| Production | 2,000 bottles |
In the glass.
A dry winter and warm summer led to smaller berries and an earlier harvest. The wines are concentrated and structured, with ripe fruit, firm tannins, and good depth — a vintage of power and intensity.
At the table.
Tested at our own service — 46 pairings across 8 courses.
Steak tartare · Roast chicken · Duck breast · Classic roast duck · Lamb rack · Pork tenderloin · Pulled pork · Charcuterie & cured meats · Peking duck
Tuna (tataki, grilled)
Tomato-based pasta · Pasta Bolognese · Stuffed pasta · Lasagna · Gnocchi with sage butter
Roasted vegetables · White or green asparagus · Pumpkin dishes · Beet carpaccio · Stuffed zucchini · Grilled artichoke · Lentil-based dishes · Eggplant parmigiana · Truffle mashed potatoes
Deep-fried snacks · Spring rolls
Margherita pizza · Meat-topped pizza · Shawarma
Paella (seafood or mixed) · Croquetas (ham or cheese) · Pimientos de Padrón
Béarnaise sauce · Mushroom cream sauce · Truffle cream sauce · Tomato sauce (classic Italian) · Pesto (basil or sun-dried tomato) · Salsa verde (herb sauce) · Romesco sauce · Mustard cream sauce · Chimichurri · Black garlic sauce · XO sauce · Apple cider reduction · Roasted red pepper sauce · Port wine reduction
Open 30 minutes before service. Decant for younger vintages. Avoid over-chilling — serve closer to the warmer end of the recommended range when paired with richer dishes.
Pagos Balancines
A mastery of viticulture and vinification, where precise techniques come to shape wines of exceptional finesse and character.
