Raúl Moreno Dark 'n Stormy 2023

After an international career as a sommelier and oenologist, Raúl Moreno returned to his native Seville. In the heart of the sherry region, he produces still wines that are rooted in grape and terroir, free from traditional styles. His approach is experimental, yet respectful of classic regional techniques such as flor maturation, spontaneous fermentation, skin maceration, and the use of amphorae or old barrels. He works with unique, chalky soils in and around Jerez, which he bottles in an expressive, precise, and often surprising way.

Dark 'n Stormy is a 100% tintilla, a local red grape grown in the coastal area around Jerez on limestone-rich soils. The wine is crafted traditionally, with foot-treading and fermentation in open vats for 5 to 7 hours. During spontaneous fermentation, gentle pumpovers are done twice a day using a slow-flow pump, each time for 15 minutes. The skins remain in contact with the must for another 14 days, resulting in a soft yet deep extraction.

After fermentation, the wine matures for 8 months in used Taransaud oak barriques and another month in stainless steel. No yeasts are added, and the wine is bottled unfiltered, with only a minimal addition of sulphites.

The result is a powerful red wine with a dark and intense profile. Aromas of black and blue fruits dominate the nose, enriched by spicy notes and a striking interplay of bitter and sweet cocoa tones. On the palate, the wine shows richness and structure, with a warm, southern mouthfeel.

Producer: Raúl Moreno Yaguë
Grapes: tintilla
Country: Spain
Region: Andalucía – Jerez area
Wine style: powerful red
Wine & food: lamb shoulder with ras-el-hanout, beef or game stew, roasted aubergine
Serving temperature: 16 °C
Ageing potential: < 6 years
Volume: 75 cl